THE   HISTORY 


OF   THE 


THIRTY-NINTH  REGIMENT 

ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEER  VETERAN 
INFANTRY. 

(Yates   Phalanx.) 

IN  THE   WAR  OF  THE   REBELLION. 
1861-1865. 


BY 


CHARLES    M.    CLARK,    M.  D. 


(LATE  SURGEON.) 


Illustrated. 


'"Quid  non  pro  patria.'"     ''  >'  > 


PUBLISHED  UNDER  THE  AUSPICES  OF  THE  VETERAN  ASSOCIATION 
OF  THE  REGIMENT. 


CHICAGO.    ILLINOIS. 

1889. 


5 


C,  (o 


DEDICATION. 
TO    THE    CHILDREN. 

THE  SONS  AND   DAUGHTERS 

OF  THE 

VETERAN  SOLDIERS 

OF  THE 

f'.JZrott)  Regiment  Illinois  Veteran  Volunteers, 

WHO  SO  NOBLY  RESPONDED  TO    THE    CALL   OF    THEIR   IMPERILED    COUNTRY 
IN  THE  TIME  OF  HER  NEED;    AND  WHO  SUFFERED  UNTOLD   PRIVA 
TIONS,  DANGERS,  AND  THE   SHEDDING  OF  THEIR  BLOOD, 
THAT  "GOD'S   BEST  COUNTRY"  MIGHT  BE   PRE 
SERVED    AND   HANDED   DOWN    IN   ITS 
INTEGRITY    TO    THE    DEAR 
ONES,     FOR      THEIR 
INHERITANCE. 


M154653 


INTRODUCTORY. 


COMRADES  : 

It  was  with  feelings  of  great  diffidence  and  misgiving  that  I 
approached  the  task  of  writing  the  history  of  THE  THIRTY-NINTH 
REGIMENT  OF  ILLINOIS  VETERAN  VOLUNTEERS  during  its  four  years 
and  two  months  of  active  service  in  the  field;  and  now  that  the 
task  (not  its  history)  is  completed,  I  feel  more  than  ever  my  dis 
qualification  for  undertaking  it.  I  was  a  medical  officer,  and 
therefore  not  always  acquainted  with  the  real  object  of  your 
movements,  and  seldom  present  as  a  participant  when  they  were 
carried  into  execution.  (I  have  reference  to  your  movements  on 
the  battle-field,  not  the  marches  or  the  many  other  matters 
incidental  to  the  life  of  the  soldier.)  In  my  feeble  and  imperfect 
way,  however,  I  managed  to  keep  track  of  you,  and  with  the  kind 
assistance  of  Major  Homer  A.  Plimpton  have  given  a  fair  recital 
of  your  deeds,  both  offensive  and  defensive,  when  confronted  by 
the  enemy.  This  history  will  be  read  by  many  of  the  men 
who  personally  helped  to  make  it,  and  doubtless  they  will  see 
errors  and  discrepancies,  and  will  note  the  absence  of  numerous 
details  and  incidents  connected  with  the  movements  and  opera 
tions  of  the  regiment.  This  must  necessarily  have  been  the  case 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances;  but  it  must  be  borne  in 
mind  that  the  writer  has  had  but  little  co-operation  in  the  com 
pilation  of  the  facts  presented,  although  the  most  earnest  solicita 
tion  has  been  frequently  made  to  all  concerned,  in  order  to  make 
this  history  as  complete  and  satisfactory  as  possible. 

The  "  Roster  "  of  officers  and  men  was  transcribed  from  the 
books  of  the  Regimental  Adjutant  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  1865,  by 
Lieutenant  John  L.  Ripple,  and  they  were  found  to  be  very 
incomplete,  and  full  of  errors.  This  has  been  rectified  in  so  far 

5 


vi  INTRODUCTORY. 

as  it  was  possible,  and  has  necessitated  a  great  deal  of  research 
and  much  time.  It  is  yet  imperfect  in  many  respects. 

I  have  requested  from  every  member  of  the  regiment  now 
living  and  who  could  be  reached,  that  I  be  furnished  with  a 
biographical  sketch  of  his  life  prior  to,  during,  and  after  the  war. 
Some  have  responded,  but  the  majority  have  not;  and  this  will 
explain  why  some  members  have  been  more  prominently  noticed 
than  others. 

I  have  tried  to  be  generous  and  just  to  all;  and  I  do  not 
think  that  I  have  given  to  any  one  man  or  to  any  one  company 
more  than  his  or  its  share  of  the  glory  they  were  entitled  to,  in 
any  battle  or  assault  that  they  participated  in.  Where  all  did 
their  duty  so  well,  it  is  impossible  to  individualize. 

This  history  was  commenced  in  1871,  and  completed  in 
1872;  but  for  reasons  not  necessary  to  mention  it  was  laid  aside 
and  practically  abandoned.  At  the  solicitation  of  many  of  the 
members  of  the  regiment  it  was  again  taken  in  hand  in  1887,  and 
in  most  part  has  been  re- written,  and  much  interesting  matter 
added. 

The  discouragements  encountered  in  the  efforts  to  get  the 
history  published  have  been  immense.  That  you  now  possess  it 
is  wholly  due  to  the  unwearied  efforts  of  the  writer,  and  the  gen 
erous  subscriptions  of  a  few  members  of  our  Veteran  Association. 

Acknowledgment  is  due  for  the  generous  gift  of  money  by 
Comrade  N.  B.  Kendall,  and  generous  subscriptions  from  Com 
rades  Mann,  Sweetser,  Baker,  Savage,  McGregor,  and  others. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  Major  Plimpton  for  his  generous  aid 
in  contributing  material  for  the  book;  also  to  General  Mann, 
Captain  Baker,  George  Eiddle,  S.  S.  Brucker,  Ed.  D.  Conley, 
D.  H.  Slagle,  S.  S.  Linton,  and  some  few  others. 

The  portraits  of  the  surviving  officers  and  men  which  appear 
in  the  volume  have  been  introduced  at  their  own  personal  ex 
pense. 

This  book,  Comrades,  will  recall  and  refresh  many  half- 
buried  recollections  of  the  days  when  you  were  soldiering.  It 
will  revive  memories  of  much  suffering,  hardship,  and  perhaps 
may  cause  some  old  wound  to  ache  and  grumble.  It  will  remind 
you  of  old  comrades  who  fell  at  your  side,  and  who  now  lie  far 


INTRODUCTORY.  vji 

away  from  their  homes  in  the  hurried  graves  you  made  for  them. 
Your  children,  I  hope,  will  appreciate  this  record  of  your  achieve 
ments  at  a  time  when  the  very  foundations  of  this  Government 
were  being  undermined  and  threatened  with  destruction,  and 
Human  Liberty  was  poised  in  the  balance;  and  may  it  teach 
them  a  greater  love  for  their  country. 

To  all,  or  any,  who  may  care  to  read  it,  I  hope  that  it  may 
teach  them  the  great  Brotherhood  of  Man. 

I  am  deeply  conscious  of  its  imperfections,  but  it  is  the  best 
I  could  do  under  the  circumstances.  Treat  it  with  all  the  in 
dulgence  you  can,  and  with  that  charity  and  consideration  that  is 
meted  out  to  one  who  has  faithfully  tried  to  do  his  duty. 


CHARLES    M.    CLARK.    M.D. 


CHICAGO,  1086  GKENSHAW  ST. 
July  1st,  1889. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGES. 

How  and  When  Organized  —  Difficulties  Encountered  in  getting 
Accepted — Partial  Disbandment — Reorganizing  and  Acceptance — 
Camp  Mather — Contest  for  the  State  Agricultural  Flag — Election 
of  Field  Officers — Ordered  to  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo. — 
Presentation  of  a  Flag  by  Miss  Arion — Muster  Into  the  United 
States  Service — March  to  the  Depot — Lunch  at  the  Briggs  House 
— Address  of  the  Hon.  George  C.  Bates — Response  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Osborn  and  others . . .  1 —  10 


CHAPTER  II. 

Off  for  St.  Louis — Transferred  to  a  Steamboat  at  Alton — Man  Over 
board — Arrive  at  St.  Louis— Benton  Barracks — Scene  in  Barracks 
— Receive  A.rms,  but  Not  Satisfactory — Sickness — To  Join  Ward 
H.  Lamon's  Brigade  at  Williamsport,  Md. — Leave  St.  Louis — Inci 
dents  of  the  Journey  —  Arrival  at  Hagerstown,  Md.  —  March  to 
Williamsport 11—  19 


CHAPTER  III. 

Making  Encampment  —  Regimental  Hospital  —  Measles — Death  of 
Lieutenant  Richardson — His  Burial — How  the  Surgeons  were 
Treated — Reminiscence,  of  Washington  —  Refugees — The  Thir 
teenth  Massachusetts  Volunteers— A  False  Alarm — Porte  Crayon 
— Colonel  Light's  Dismissal — Meeting  of  the  Company  Officers- 
Colonel  Osborn  Promoted  to  the  Vacancy— Thanksgiving— How 
Observed..  20—  26 


CHAPTER  IY. 

Arms  for  the  Regiment — Orders  Received  to  Guard  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  Railroad — Depart  for  Hancock,  Md. — Cross  the  Potomac 
River  to  Alpine  Station,  Va. — Posting  the  Companies — Surmises 


CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

and  Expectancy — Stag  Dances — The  Colonel  and  Terpsichore — 
Swan  Family — -Fort  Osborn — Scouting — Applejack — Enemy  Ap 
proaching — The  Detached  Companies — How  Quartered — Berkeley 
Springs — The  Strother  Family — Expedition  to  Bloomer's  Gap — 
A  Commotion  in  Camp — The  Chaplain  and  Lieutenant  Belcher 
— Dr.  Clark  Goes  to  Bath — Colonel  Osborn's  Official  Report  of 
Operations  at  Bath  and  Other  Places  —  General  Imboden's  Ac 
count  of  Jackson's  Expedition 27 —  87 


CHAPTEE  V. 

The  Rebel  Force  and  its  Object — Bath  the  Key  to  the  Position — 
Captain  Linton's  Reconnoissance — The  Enemy  Advance— Rein 
forcements — Retreat  from  Bath — The  Skirmish  at  Big  Capon — 
A  Rebel's  Account  of  It — Account  by  Lieutenant  Savage — Affairs 
at  Alpine — The  Assistant  Surgeon's  Advance  and  Retreat — The 
Passage  of  the  River — Muhlenberg's  Good  Service — A  Conflagra 
tion  —  A  Flag  of  Truce  and  How  Received — Waiting  for  the 
Bombardment — A  Reconnoissance  and  What  was  Discovered — 
Some  Reflections— The  Hospital— Orders  to  Move 38—  53 


CHAPTEE  VI. 

March  to  Cumberland — How  Quartered — New  Clothing — Ordered  to 
New  Creek,  Va. — Living  Aboard  the  Cars — The  Ohio  Regiments 
— Sickness— Expedition  to  Romney,  Va. — Choice  of  Positions — 
Move  to  Patterson's  Creek — Washington's  Birthday — How  Cele 
brated —  Resolutions  —  Quinine  and  Whisky — General  Lander's 
Order — His  Death — Reconstructing  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Rail 
road —  Visit  Bath — Sad  Reports  —  Foraging  Expedition — A  Prac 
tical  Joke— Leave  the  Cars — March  to  Martinsburg — Harvey's 
Heroism— Meet  General  Shields — March  to  Winchester — Recon 
noissance  in  Force — Major  Munn's  Horse  Wanted — Incidents.  54 —  71 


CHAPTEE  VII. 

Meet  Doctor  Owens — David  Strother — Reach  our  Camp — Skirmish 
with  Ashby's  Cavalry — General  Shields  Wounded — Battle  of  Win 
chester — Position  of  the  Regiment — Result  of  the  Battle — Follow 
ing  the  Army  of  Jackson  —  Skirmish  with  the  Rear-guard — 
Bivouac  at  Cedar  Creek — Pursuit  Resumed — Woodstock— Edin- 
burg — Permission  to  Forage — Early  Start  in  the  Morning — Mount 
Jackson — Charging  a  Battery — General  Shields'  Recovery— On  the 


CONTENTS. 


March  Again— Fording  the  Shenandoah— Reach  New  Market- 
Cross  the  Massanutton  Mountain — White  House  and  Columbia 
Bridges  —  Luray  —  Skirmish  at  Columbia  Bridge,  and  Hold  it- 
Surprising  a  Rebel— Seeking  to  Arrest  Colonel  Boswell— Visit 
from  Plantation  Darkeys  —  Reconnoissance — March  to  Falmouth 

—Eastern  Soldiers — Review  by  President  Lincoln — Ordered  Back 

Departure  of  Shields— Move  to  Alexandria— Sent  to  Harrison's 
Landing 72_  88 


CHAPTEK  VIII. 

Assigned  to  Keyes' Corps— Terribly  Hot— Sickness— Sanitary  Commis 
sion — Outpost  Duty — Resignations — Company  H  Arrives— Ter 
rific  Cannonading— Celestial  Picket— The  Grand  Retreat—Much 
Suffering— Campaign  Lyric— Proceed  to  Suffolk— Some  History 
— Hospital — Assistant  Surgeons  Arrive  —  The  Sabbath — Expedi 
tions  to  the  Dismal  Swamp  and  Blackwater — Aunt  Sally — The 
News  —  Some  Reflections  —  Resignation  of  Major  Munn— New 
Year's — How  Celebrated — Off  for  the  Chowan  River— Incidents  of 
the  March  —  George  Riddle  and  the  Pig — Take  Transports  for 
Newbern,  N.  C. — Arrival — Wreck  of  the  Ambulance — Palatial 
Quarters — Receive  Flag  from  Governor  Yates — Join  Foster's  Ex 
pedition  to  South  Carolina — Sent  to  Morehead  City — Selecting 
Transports — All  Aboard .  89 104 


CHAPTEK  IX. 

Pass  Fort  McAllister — Storm  at  Sea — Paying  Toll  to  Neptune — Clean 
ing  up — Fishing — Taking  Account  of  Stock — Generals  Foster 
and  Hunter  Do  Not  Agree — Land  on  St.  Helena  Island  —  Make 
Camp — The  Ballad  of  Paris  Island — Dress  and  Discipline — Hilton 
Head- "Ain't  You  Going  to  Kiss  Me,  Hass,  Before  You  Go?" 
—Beaufort  —  Mrs.  General  Lander — The  Negroes — Fishing— Or 
dered  to  Folly  Island — View  the  Enemy — Take  Possession  of 
Folly  Island — Feeling  Our  Way  up  to  the  Front — Descriptive — 
The  Bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter  by  the  Ironclads — Making 
Camp— General  Vogdes — Lankinaw  and  the  General — Throwing 
up  Intrenchments — Relieve  the  One  Hundredth  New  York  Volun 
teers —  The  Rebels  Celebrate — Fooling  with  a  Loaded  Shell — 
First  Maryland  Cavalry — Paymasters  Arrive— The  Sutler — Some 
of  His  Experiences — Visit  the  "Ironsides"  —  News  from  Rebel 
Sources  —  Trading  with  the  Enemy  —  The  Blockade  Runner 
"  Ruby  " — An  Expedition  to  it— Results — Dr.  Woodward  Makes 
the  Trip  and  Vogdes  Disciplines  Him 105 — 129 


xji  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE  X. 

PAGES. 

Fowler  of  Company  K  Hurt — Card  Playing — An  Accident — Board  of 
Administration  for  the  Sutlers-— General  Gilmore  Succeeds  Hun 
ter— Gilmore  and  Seymour  Arrive— Troops  Arriving— Plan  of 
Operations— Battery  Completed  —  Guns  Mounted  —  The  Boys 
Tired  Out— Field  Hospital  Organized— The  Capture  of  Part  of 
Morris  island — How  it  was  Done— Might  Have  Had  it  All — The 
Wounded — The  First  Assault  on  Fort  Wagner — How  Conducted 
—Rebel  Account  of  It — After  the  Repulse — Morris  Island — Heavy 
Details  for  Work — More  Batteries  Erected — The  Fleet  Bombard 
Fort  Wagner — The  Second  Assault — The  Colored  Regiment — 
Troops  Sacrificed — Blundering —  Tale  of  a  Participator  —  The 
Killed  and  Wounded— Troops  Sent  Away  —  Gilmore  Rifles — 
Nuisances— Celonel  Howell  Injured — Reflections — The  Parallels- 
Capture  of  Sharpshooters — Fort  Sumter  in  Ruins — The  "  Swamp 
Angel " — Prepare  for  Another  Assault — Wagner  Abandoned — Call 
for  Volunteers  to  Reconnoiter — Dispatches  to  General  Gilmore — 
Death  of  Captain  Woodruff — Resolutions — General  Gilmore's  Order 
of  Congratulation 130—154 

CHAPTEK  XI. 

Ordered  Back  to  Folly  Island — Sent  to  Hilton  Head — Vaccination — Re- 
enlist  as  Veterans— Had  to  Pass  an  Examination — The  Thirty- 
Ninth  Popular  and  Given  an  Escort  and  an  Ovation — Letter  to 
Governor  Yates  from  Generals  Seymour  and  Gilmore — Embark 
for  New  York — Grounded  on  Frying  Pan  Shoals — Final  Release — 
The  Captain's  Fault — The  Vessel  on  Fire — Big  Storm  off  Hatteras 
— Horse  Loose — Another  Calamity — Men  Injured — Reach  New 
York — Park  Barracks — Take  the  Cars  for  Chicago — Arrival — 
Respects  to  the  Tribune— Supper  at  Bryan  Hall— Lady  Managers 
of  the  Soldiers'  Rest — Camp  Fry — Furloughs — Dr.  Woodward  as 
Hamlet  at  McVicker's  Theatre 155—165 

CHAPTEE  XII. 

Assemble  at  Bryan  Hall — Speeches  of  Governor  Yates  and  Others — 
Ordered  to  the  Front — Poem — Leave  Chicago — Trouble  at  Pitts- 
burg — How  it  all  Ended — Arrive  at  Washington — Cross  the 
Potomac — Arlington  Heights — Camp  Grant — First  Connecticut 
Heavy  Artillery — Major  Cook — Colonel  Osborn  Sick — Fort  Bar 
nard — Start  a  Masonic  Lodge — Move  to  Gloucester  Point — Vast 
Array  and  Great-  Preparations — Embark  on  Steamer — Halt  at 
Fort  Monroe  for  Orders — Proceed  Up  the  James  River — Debark 
at  Bermuda  Hundred. .  .  . .  166—176 


CONTENTS.  xiii 

CHAPTEE  XIII. 

PAGES. 

In  the  Army  of  the  James — Move  Towards  Drury's  Bluff — Intrench 
ing — Skirmish  at  Chester  Heights — Driving  the  Kebels  Back  on 
Fort.  Darling — Colonel  Osborn  Wounded — Digging  Rifle-Pits — 
Jenkins  Wounded — The  Surgeons  in  a  Fix — A  Gentlemanly  A.id- 
de-Camp — Butler  Anticipated — Plimpton's  Account  of  the  Battle 
of  Drury's  Bluff — Casualties — Major  Linton  Points  Out  a  Few 
Errors — Loss  to  Butler's  Army — A  Remarkable  Battle — Adjutant 
WTalker — Captain  Wightman — Kendall  Says  He's  Dead — Other 
Incidents — The  Honor  of  the  State  of  Illinois  Must  be  Maintained 
— Experiences  of  Lace  and  Crozier — Get  Back  to  the  Old  Camp — 
The  Wounded . .  . .  177—190 


CHAPTEK  XIY. 

Butler's  Force — Grant  Calls  for  the  Eighteenth  and  Part  of  the  Tenth 
Corps — Butler  "  Bottled  Up  " — All  Quiet — Recapture  of  Rifle-Pits, 
May  20th,  or  Battle  of  Wier  Bottom  Church — Short  but  Brilliant 
— Colonel  Howell's  Official  Report  of  it — Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann 
Wounded — Loss  to  the  Regiment  and  Brigade — Howell  Shows 
How  to  Draw  the  Enemy's  Fire — Dog  Tents — The  Camp— Battery 
Number  Six — Lieutenant  Burrill  and  Amos  Reese  Wounded  in 
Camp — Jacob  Franks  Drowned — Comparative  Quiet — The  Second 
of  June — The  Rebs  Get  a  Roasting — Lieutenant  Fellows  Killed — 
Lieutenant  Sweetser  Wounded — A  Rebel  Colonel  in  Our  Hands 
—General  Alfred  H.  Terry 191—202 


CHAPTEE  XV. 

Some  Leisure — Captain  Snowden  Wounded — Hot  Weather— Sixteenth 
of  June— Grant's  Army  Crosses  the  James— The  Thirty-Ninth  En 
counter  Pickett's  Division— Captain  Rudd  Wounded — The  17th 
of  June — Take  a  Lot  of  Prisoners— General  Gilmore  Relieved — 
Return  to  Old  Camp — President  Lincoln  Reviews  the  Army  of  the 
James— Our  Wounded  at  Fort  Monroe— How  Treated— Hospital 
Chaplains— Chaplain  McReading— The  13th  of  August— Plimp 
ton's  Account  of  the  Battle  of  Deep  Run — Williams,  Lemon  and 
Frane  Killed — Baker  and  WTarner  Lose  their  Legs — The  Casualties 
—Poem  . .  203—215 


xiv  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTEE  XVI. 

PAGES. 

General  Birney's  Order — Pretty  Well  Thinned  Out — Always  Ready 
— In  Front  of  Petersburg — Brigade  Hospital — The  Petersburg 
Express — Rebel  Lines — Grant's  Headquarters — Whitworth  Bolts 
— Execution  of  a  Soldier — Colonel  Howell's  Death — Eulogy  and 
Elegy — Position  of  the-  Army  of  the  James — Election  Commis 
sioners — Feeling  of  the  Soldiers — Light  Marching  Orders — Cross 
the  James  River — Battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads — Assault  of 
the  Fort — Plimpton's  Account  of  It;  Sergeant  Slagle's — Yates' 
Death — Death  of  Steele — Bad  Place  for  Surgeons — The  Wounded 
—Lieutenant  Wilder  Killed — An  Incident — Miss  Clara  Barton— A 
Great  "  Skedaddle  " — General  Birney's  Death — Grand  Review  by 
Lincoln  and  Grant — Some  Medical  Matters — Winter  Quarters — 
Some  of  Butler's  Orders.. .  .  .  216 — 237 


CHAPTEE   XVII. 

Organizing  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps — The  Twenty-Fifth  and 
Part  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps  go  to  Fort  Fisher — The  Field 
Hospital  at  Chapin's  Farm— Medical  Examining  Board — Maling 
erers,  and  How  Treated — Christmas  Eve — Music  by  the  Band — 
Egg-Nog,  Etc. — Dutch  Gap  Canal — Victory  Everywhere — Visitors 
— Ed  Conley's  Report  of  a  Serenade  on  the  Hunchback,  and  How 
it  Terminated — Surgery  on  a  Horse — Deserters — Shooting  De 
serters — Sad  and  Shocking  Scene 238—248 


CHAPTEE  XVIII. 

Another  Review  by  General  Grant  and  Ladies — General  Grant  at  the 
Hospital — How  he  Looked— Still  Another  Review— Feeling  Like 
"  Green  Bay  Trees  " — Orders  to  Prepare  to  Move — A  Clearing  Out 
— General  Sheridan  Arrives — March  All  Night — Major  Plimpton's 
Description  of  Movements  and  Battles  from  March  27th  to  April 
9th— General  Osborn's  Official  Report— Something  About  the 
Doctors — Statistics — Ride  into  Petersburg — Negroes  and  Massa 
Linkum — Forward  to  Appomattox— The  Surrender  of  General 
Lee  and  His  Army  of  Northern  Virginia — The  War  Practically 
Ended — Visit  to  the  Rebel  Camp— General  Osborn  Gets  a  Horse — 
Relic-Hunters — General  Lee  Departs— His  Last  Order 249 — 267 


CONTENTS.  xv 

CHAPTEK  XIX. 

On  to  Richmond! — News  of  the  Assassination  of  President  Lincoln 

Burdened  with  Woe — Lincoln's  Favorite  Poem— Farm ville En 
tertain  Ladies — Enter  Richmond — City  of  Richmond — The  King 
is  Dead — Where  Does  the  Credit  Belong — Make  Encampment — 
Duties— Army  of  the  Potomac  and  Sherman's  Army  Pass  through 
Richmond  —  General  Terry  Again  —  Corps  Hospital  —  General 
Grant's  Order — Reporter  Merriam — Ladies  of  Richmond— Doctor 
Mayo— George  Fitzhugh— Richmond  Theatre— Grand  Spreads  and 
"Blow  Outs  "—The  Thirty -Ninth  Ordered  to  City  Point— Thence 
to  Norfolk — Twenty-Fourth  Corps  Disbanded — Hospital  Closed — 
Post  Hospital  at  Norfolk—"  Ferry  Point  in  a  Minit  "—District  of 
Southeastern  Virginia — Niggers  Want  the  Earth — Terry's  Order 
— Muster  Out  of  Service—  School  is  Out— Go  Home — Reach  Chi 
cago—Springfield — Final  Payments — Exercises  in  the  Chapel — 
Salute  the  Old  Banners  for  the  Last  Time — Valedictory 268—286 


CHAPTER  XX. 
REMINISCENCES    AND    INCIDENTS. 

How  Lieutenant  Brucker  Opened  the  Battle  of  Winchester,  Va. — Diso 
bedience  of  Orders  Saves  Many  Lives — Some  Tales  by  Commissary 
Sergeant  Frisbie:  A  New  Dish:  Frisbie's  "Mountain  Rabbit" — 
"Bury  Me  Where  I  Lay,  Boys" — Reminiscences  of  General  Mann: 
How  He  was  Frightened:  A  Good  Lawyer  Wanted — The  Hegira  of 
Colored  Servants  at  Edinburg,  Va. — Ely's  Foraging  Expedition — 
Captain  Botsford's  Narrative — Dr.  Clark  and  the  Rebel  Flag — 
Charley  McGregor  and  the  Pig — General  Butler's  Narrow  Escape 
from  Capture — Capture  of  a  Doctor — The  Reminiscences  of  Ezra 
A.  Cook,  Company  G— Searching  for  Buried  Wealth — The  Last  to 
Cross  the  River  at  Sir  John's  Run— The  Sutler  in  a  Rage ....  288—329 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

DEVOTED    TO    NARRATIVE,    INCIDENTS,    AND 
MISCELLANY. 

George  Riddle's  Experiences — Narrative  of  Martin  Van  Buren  Peters — 
Narrative  of  William  H.  Howard — Emile  Guntz's  Prison  Experi 
ence  at  Andersonville,  Ga. — An  Incident  at  Castle  Thunder,  Rich 
mond,  Told  by  David  H.  Slagle— The  "  Bummers  "  in  New  York 


xvj  CONTENTS. 


PAGES. 

City— Letter  from  Sergeant  E.  J.  Thayer,  Company  D,  to  Captain 
George  O.  Siiowden  Relative  to  the  Skirmish  of  June  16th,  1864— 
General  Shields  Gives  the  Band  an  Irish  "Compliment"— Remin 
iscence  of  Surgeon  S.  C.  Blake:  Female  Spies— Dr.  De  Normandie 
on  Guard— The  Wilmington  Monument— General  Grant's  Terms 
of  Surrender— The  Place  of  Lee's  Surrender— A  Confederate  Song 
—The  Regimental  Flags,  and  the  Eagle— Requa  Battery— Poem, 
Dedicated  to  the  Thirty-Ninth,  by  Mrs.  Mary  C.  White 330—367 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Field  and  Staff-  Who  They  Were  and  What  Has  Become  of  Them— 
Roster,  with  Biographies— The  Non-Com missioned  Staff— Roster 
—Shoulder-Straps  and  Chevrons— The  Original  Band— The  Band 
of  1864-'65 368—391 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Company    A — How  Organized — Roster  and  Biography — Summary  of 

Casualties,  Etc 392—405 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Company  B  —How  and  Where  Organized— Roster  and  Biographies- 
Summary  of  Casualties,  Etc 406—421 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

How  Company  C  was  Recruited — Roster  and  Biographies — Summary 

of  Casualties,  Etc 422—434 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Organization  of  Company    D — Roster   and    Biographical    Sketches — 

Summary  of  Casualties,  Etc 435—447 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Company   E — How    Recruited — Roster   and   Biography — Summary  of 

Casualties,  Etc 448—464 


CONTENTS.  xv-- 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Company  F— How  Recruited— Roster  and  Biographies— Summary  of  ^ 
Casualties,  Etc 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Company  G— How  Recruited— Roster  and  Biographies— Summary  of 

Casualties,  Etc 480—499 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Company    H— Brief   History— Roster    and    Biography— Summary   of 

Casualties,  Etc 500 510 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

History    of   Company    I  —  Roster    of   Members  —  Some   Biographical 

Sketches— Summary  of  Casualties,  Etc .  .511—524 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Company    K  —  How   and   Where    Recruited  —  Roster  —  Biographical 

Sketches  of  Members — Summary  of  Casualties,  Etc 525 548 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

General  Summary  of  Facts — Members  of  the  Regiment  Who  Died  in 

Rebel  Prisons 549 554 

APPENDIX. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE. 

Governor  Richard  Yates 

Frontispiece 

Field  and  Staff 1 

Off  to  the  Front 7 

Supper  at  Pittsburg 15 

Camp  Kitchen 23 

Muhlenberg's   Guns   in    Action 

on  Warm  Spring  Ridge ...  40 
Retreat  from  Alpine  Station  the 

Night  of  January  4th,  1862  45 

"  Stonewall "  Jackson 50 

Regimental  Medical  Staff 60 

Bivouacking  at  Cedar  Creek  in 

the  Rain 70 

Fresh  Pork  for  Supper 76 

On  the  March 83 

Review  by  President  Lincoln  at 

Falmouth,  Va.,  May,  1862..  85 
Gunboats   on  James  River ....  87 
McClellan's  Headquarters,  Har 
rison's  Landing 91 

Dummies  and  Quaker  Guns  Left 
in  the  Works  at  Harrison's 

Landing 94 

On  Picket 96 

The  Sutlers 99 

Band  Boys  Foraging 101 

Scene  of  Operations  in  South 

Carolina 114 

Bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter 

and  Adjacent  Forts 116 

Fort   Sumter    after    Bombard 
ment  118 

Three    Hundred-Pounder   Par- 
rott   Gun   Battery,    Morris 

Island 131 

Beacon  House 135 

Fort   Wagner.    Point   of   First 

Assault 136 

Fort  Wagner.     Sea  Front 138 

Bomb-proof 142 


PAGE. 

Fort  Sumter  in  Ruins 144 

"  Swamp  Angel " 149 

Long    Bridge  —  Examining    a 

Pass 173 

Line    o  f     Defense  —  Bermuda 

Hundred 181 

The  Hospital  Steamer 189 

The  Field  Hospital 198 

Chesapeake  Hospital 206 

Scene  of  Assault  August  13th, 

1864 213 

Map  of  the  Defenses  of  Rich 
mond  and  Petersburg 222 

The  Assault 227 

Counting     the     Scars    in     the 

Colors 230 

Collecting  the  Wounded 233 

Winter    Quarters    at    Chapin's 

Farm 235 

Officers'    Quarters,    C  h  a  p  i  n's 

Farm 236 

Battery  at  Dutch  Gap 243 

General   Butler's  Headquarters 

—Dutch  Gap 244 

Chapin's  Bluff,  Va 250 

Pontoon  Bridge — Jones'  Land 
ing 251 

The    Assault    on    Fort    Gregg, 

April  2d,  1865 254 

McLean's    House  —  Place    of 

Lee's  Surrender 265 

Libby  Prison 272 

W'at  War  Dey  Fightin'  'Bout.. .   287 
The  Prison  Pen  at  Anderson- 

ville 342 

Castle    Thunder    Prison,    Rich 
mond,  Va 344 

Section  of  Requa  Battery 363 

Regimental  Band 386 

Group  of  Line  Officers 392 


XX 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PORTRAITS. 


PAOK. 
Baker,  Captain  Leroy  A.,  Co.  A.  425 

Barber,  Alden,  Co.  K 526 

Barber,  Cicero,  Co.  K 520 

Bishop,  Sergeant-Major  Reese.  438 

Blake,  Doctor  S.  C 37G 

Bosworth,  Isaac  D.,  Co.  G 480 

Brucker,  Lieutenant  Simon  S., 

Co.  C 425 

Rudd,  Captain  Oscar  F.,  Co.  G.  422 
Chapman,  Corporal  Edward  0., 

Co.  C 425 

Clark,  Surgeon  Charles  M 380 

Conley,  Edward  D.  Co.  E.  (band)  425 

Cook,  Ezra  A.,  Co.  G 480 

Curtis,  General  S.  R 248 

Ely,  William  W.,  Co.  E 376 

Fellows,  Lieutenant  A.  W.,  Co.  I  438 
Frane,  Lieutenant  John, Co.  D.  438 
Frisbie,  Commissary  Sergeant 

Charles,  Co.  G 425 

Gibbons,  General  John 274 

Gilmore,  General  Q.  A 248 

Gillmore,  Captain  Samuel,  Co.  I.  512 

Grant,  General  U.  S 248 

Guntz,  Lieutenant  Emile,  Co.  K.  512 

Harvey,  Levi,  Co.  C 425 

Hazzard,  J.  M.,  Co.  E 512 

Hirst,  Edward,  Co.  1 512 

Hirst,  James,  Co.  1 480 

Hoffman,  Serg't  S.  W.,  Co.  F. .  438 
Hoffman,  Quartermaster  S.  W..  512 
Hooker,  Captain  J.  H.,  Co.  E.. .  512 

Howard,  William  H.,  Co.  G 480 

Howell,  Colonel  J.  B 248 

Hunter,  General  David 248 

Jewett,  W.  0.  L.,  Co.  E 512 

Johnson,  Commissary  Sergeant 

A.  B 425 

Kendall,  Captain  N.  B.,  Co.  G. .  376 
Kipp,  Corporal  John  B.,  Co.  K..  526 
Kirkman,  William  G.,  Co.  K. . .  526 
Knapp,  Lieutenant  Horace,  Co. 

D .438 


PAGE. 


Lemon,  Lieutenant  James   D., 

Co.  1 438 

Lemon,  Richard  A.,  Co.  1 480 

Linton,  Major  Samuel  S 376 

Mann,  General  O.  L 376 

Mick,  Parker,  Co.  K 526 

Milliman,  Major  Minor  W 376 

Morley,  William  R.,  Co.  H 480 

Munn,  Major  Sylvester  W 376 

Myers,  Captain  E.  C.,  Co.  K 512 

Nichols,  Corporal  J.  T.,  Co.  K..  526 

Osborn,  General  Thomas  O 268 

Phillips,  Captain  Hiram,  Co.  I.  480 
Plimpton,  Lieutenant  -  Colonel 

Homer  A 376 

Pond,  H.  D.,  Co.  G 480 

Riddle,  George,  Co.  1 480 

Sanborn,  Sergeant  James,  Co. 

K 526 

Sauers,  Corporal  Peter,  Co.  K . .  526 

Shields,  General  James 248 

Smith,  Sergeant  H.  G.,  Co.  G..  425 
Snowden,  Captain  George  O., 

Co.D 512 

Strong,  General  George  C 248 

Sweetser,  Lieutenant  Al.  C.,  Co. 

B 425 

Terry,  General  Alfred  H 202 

Thomas,  Corporal  Francis  M., 

Co.  K 526 

Walker,  Adjutant  Joseph  D  . . .  422 

Warner,  Major  Norman  C 376 

Whipple,  Captain  Lewis  T.,  Co. 

E 438 

Wightman,  Captain  James  W., 

Co.  C 422 

Wilder,  Lieutenant  C.  J.,  Co.  H .  422 
Williams,  C  ap  tain  Chauncey, 

Co.  H 422 

Woodruff,  Captain  Joseph  O., 

Co.  K 526 

Woodward,  William,  Assistant 

Surgeon 422 


CORRECTIONS. 

On  page  6,  in  speaking  of  the  presentation  of  the  flag  by  Miss  Helen 
Arion,  it  is  stated  that  the  presentation  speech  was  made  by  Colonel  C.  P. 
Arion.  It  should  read,  the  Hon.  Fernando  Jones,  of  Chicago,  made  the 
presentation  speech — a  gentleman  who  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  organ 
ization  and  equipment  of  the  regiment,  and  who  ever  proved  its  friend 
and  takes  pride  in  the  record  it  made  during  the  war.  At  a  late  re-union 
he  was  made  an  honorary  member  of  the  Veteran  Association  of  the  regi 
ment. 

On  page  84,  second  paragraph,  sixth  line,  April  24th  should  read  May 
24th. 

On  page  228,  second  paragraph,  first  line,  Marseilles  should  read  Wil 
mington,  111. 

Page  458,  Hazzard,  Monroe,  should  read  Hazzard,  J.  Monroe. 

On  page  496,  Petti  John,  James,  Company  G,  should  read  Petti  John, 
Jacob. 


ADDENDA. 

George  Howells,  Company  E,  is  living;  his  postoffice  address  is  Braid- 
wood,  111. 

Lester  B.  Dickey,  Company  G,  resides  at  Orland,  Cook  county,  111. 

There  should  be  added  to  the  record  of  William  H.  Reed,  Company 
A,  that  he  was  a  prisoner  at  Andersonville  for  eighteen  months  and  was 
about  dead  when  he  reached  his  home. 


EEVEILLE. 


/  HE  day-star  shines  upon  the  hill, 
CO     The  valleys  in  the  shadows  sleep; 
In  wood  and  thicket,  dark  and  still, 

My  comrades  lie  in  slumber  deep. 
Far  in  the  east  a  phantom  gray 

Steals  slowly  up  the  night's  black  pall, 
And,  herald  of  the  coming  day, 

The  distant  bugle's  soft  notes  call — 

"  /  can't  get  'em  up, 

I  can't  yet  'em  up, 
I  can't  get  'em  up  in  the  morning; 

I  can't  get  'em  up, 

I  can't  get  'em  up, 
I  can't  get  'em  up  at  all!  " 

A  thought  of  motion  at  the  sound — 

As  though  the  forest  caught  its  breath, 
And  belted  sleepers  on  the  ground 

More  restless,  like  life  in  death, 
And  slumbering  echoes,  here  and  there, 

Awaken  as  the  challenge  floats, 
And  louder  on  the  morning  air 

Ring  out  the  cheery  bugle  notes — 

"7  can't  get  'em  up  in  the  morning! 

I  can't  get  'em  up  in  the  morning! 

I  can't  get  'em  up  in  the  morning! 

I  can't  get  'em  up  at  all!  " 

And  as  the  shrilling  strains  prolong, 

Flames  into  rose  and  gold  the  day, 
And  springing  up,  with  shout  and  song, 

Each  soldier  welcomes  march  or  fray, 
Through  wooded  vale,  o'er  wind-swept  hill, 

Where  camp-fires  gleam  and  shadows  fall, 
Louder  and  clearer,  cheerily  still, 

Rings  out  the  merry  bugle  call — 

"  I  can't  get  'em  up, 

I  can't  get  'em  up — 
/  can't  get  'em  up  in  the  morning! 

I  can't  get  'em  up, 

I  can't  get  'em  up — 
/  can't  get  'em  up  at  all!  " 

— ROBEBT    J.    BUBDETTE. 


HISTORY  THIRTY-NINTH  REGIMENT 

ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


How  and  When  Organized — Difficulties  Encountered  in  Getting  Accepted — 
Partial  Disbandment— Reorganizing  and  Acceptance — Camp  Mather 
— Contest  for  the  State  Agricultural  Flag— Election  of  Field  Officers — 
Ordered  to  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo. — Presentation  of  a  Flag 
by  Miss  Arion — Muster  into  U.  S.  Service — March  to  Depot— Lunch 
at  Briggs  House — Address  of  Hon.  George  C.  Bates — Response  by 
•  Colonel  Osborn.  and  others. 


THIRTY-NINTH  REGIMENT  had  its  birth  dur 
ing  that  period  of  great  excitement  and  the  intense 
feeling  of  indignation  that  followed  upon  the  opening  act 
of  the  rebellious  States, — the  firing  upon  Fort  Sumter, 
Charleston  harbor,  April  13th,  1861. 

A  party  of  gentlemen,  some  of  whom  were  afterwards 
prominently  identified  with  this  regiment,  had  assembled  in 
the  law  office  of  Moore  &  Osborn  in  the  old  Tremont  build 
ing  on  Dearborn  street,  Chicago,  to  give  expression  to  the 
feelings  engendered  by  this  outrage  and  insult  to  the  flag  of 
our  common  country,  when  it  was  suggested  that  a  company 
of  infantry  be  raised  at  once  and  tendered  to  the  Governor 
of  the  State. 

Action  was  immediately  taken,  and  the  names  of  Thomas 
O.  Osborn,  Frank  B.  Marshall,  Dr.  S.  C.  Blake,  Joseph  A. 
Cutler,  George  Coatsworth,  Dr.  Charles  M.  Clark  and  a  few 
others  were  enrolled  as  members.  Soon  the  idea  occurred 
that  it  might  be  as  easy  to  organize  and  raise  a  regiment  as 


9  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

a  company,  and  measures  were  taken  to  that  end.  Money 
was  procured  and  men  selected  to  proceed  to  various  portions 
of  the  State  to  enlist  men  and  secure  companies  that  had 
already  been  formed  and  were  awaiting  acceptance  in  some 
organized  regiment.  In  the  meantime,  Orrin  L.  Mann, 
William  H.  Ranstead,  William  Dircks  and  others  became 
associated  with  us,  and  active  recruiting  commenced  in  the 
city  and  suburbs.  In  less  than  six  weeks1  time  we  had  some 
thirteen  hundred  men  ready  and  impatient  for  muster  into 
the  United  States  service.  Unfortunately  for  us  the  State 
had  filled  its  quota  under  the  first  call  for  troops,  and  it  was 
found  that  we  could  not  be  accepted  as  a  regimental  organi 
zation  at  that  time,  but  were  requested  to  await  the  next  call, 
which,  it  was  expected,  would  soon  be  made:  but  the  men 
were  impatient  to  get  to  the  front  and  into  active  service,  and 
learning  that  the  State  of  Missouri  was  behind  in  raising  its 
proportion  of  men,  the  regiment  was  tendered  to  the  Gov 
ernor  of  that  State,  but  with  a  like  result. 

Somewhat  discouraged,  and  there  being  no  certainty  as 
to  when  it  would  be  accepted,  the  regiment  became,  in  part, 
disorganized,  some  companies  withdrawing  for  acceptance 
into  other  regiments  that  had  not  their  full  complement  of 
men  but  had  been  accepted,  and  many  men  joining  other 
companies  that  were  about  ready  to  take  the  field. 

The  regiment  had  decided  upon  bearing  the  name  of 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  the  State,  and  became  known 
as  the  "Yates  Phalanx."  Governor  Yates  manifested  an 
earnest  desire  to  have  this  regiment  brought  into  service  and 
sent  Orrin  L.  Mann,  then  recruiting  a  company,  to  Washing 
ton  with  strong  commendatory  letters  to  the  President  and 
Secretary  of  War,  urging  the  acceptance  of  this  body  of 
men,  but  it  was  not  until  the  President  had  been  authorized 
by  Congress  to  make  a  call  for  five  hundred  thousand  more 
troops  that  hope  revived  and  measures  were  taken  to  re 
cruit  our  losses. 


CAMP   MATHER—ORGANIZATION.  3 

In  the  latter  part  of  July,  1861,  after  the  disaster  to 
our  arms  at  the  first  battle  at  Bull  Kun,  Va.,  notice  was  re 
ceived  from  Washington  that  the  regiment  had  been  accepted 
and  to  prepare  at  once  for  muster  into  the  service  of  the 
United  States.  More 'active  measures  were  immediately  put 
forward  to  increase  our  membership,  and  soon  there  were 
some  three  hundred  men  quartered  in  the  old  Eepublican 
Wigwam  on  Market  street.  Company  A,  Captain  Munii, 
was  the  first  full  company  to  report,  and  they  were  speedily 
followed  by  companies  C,  D  and  G.  In  succeeding  chapters 
more  explicit  mention  of  the  company  organizations  will  be 
given. 

In  the  latter  part  of  July,  Austin  Light,  who  had  seen 
considerable  service  in  the  United  States  army,  came  to  us 
well  recommended  as  an  organizer  and  as  being  well-posted 
in  military  affairs,  army  requirements  and  regulations,  and 
to  him  was  given  the  duty  of  perfecting  the  organization  of 
the  regiment,  and  it  was  conceded  that'  he  should  have  the 
colonelcy,  although  no  election  for  field  officers  had  as  yet 
taken  place. 

On  or  about  August  10th,  the  necessary  tents  and  camp 
equipage  having  been  furnished,  encampment  was  made  on 
Indiana  avenue  near  Twenty-sixth  street,  and  named  "Camp 
Mather"  in  honor  of  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  State,  and 
we  were  soon  inducted  into  some  semblance  of  military  life 
and  duty. 

Daily  drill  was  inaugurated,  by  company  in  the  morn 
ings  and  battalion  in  the  afternoons.  Awkward  squads 
could  be  seen  maneuvering  at  most  all  times.  The  regimen 
tal  band,  organized  by  Philip  M.  Lace  at  Pontiac,  111.,  had 
joined  us,  and  their  music  served  to  enliven  the  somewhat 
dull  monotony  of  the  camp,  and  especially  did  it  serve  as  an 
attraction  for  visitors  at  the  time  of  dress  parade. 

The  camp  was  pleasantly  situated,  with  plenty  of  open 
prairie  round  about  us;  and  in  our  near  vicinity,  to  the 


4  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

south  and  east  of  us,  was  located  what  was  called  the  Doug 
las  brigade,  then  in  state  of  formation. 

On  pleasant  days  there  was  no  lack  of  visitors  of  both 
sexes,  but  especially  were  we  overrun  with  peddlers  and 
traders  of  every  conceivable  sort — agents  from  various  arms 
manufactories  soliciting  orders  for  revolvers  and  ammunition; 
dealers  in  horses,  who  wished  to  supply  the  field  and  staff; 
drummers  from  tailoring  establishments,  etc. 

In  the  early  part  of  September  the  State  Commissioners 
of  Agriculture,  while  in  session  at  Chicago,  voted  a  flag  to 
be  presented  to  the  best  drilled  company  of  soldiers  in  camp 
at  Chicago,  and  the  regimental  officers  decided  to  enter  into 
competition  for  it;  and  Adjutant  Frank  B.  Marshall,  for 
merly  a  member  of  the  Ellsworth  Zouaves,  was  selected  to 
organize  and  command  a  company  made  up  of  men  of  his 
choosing  from  any  material  in  the  regiment.  This  he  at 
once  proceeded  to  do,  and  in  the  course  of  ten  days'  time, 
by  patient  and  persistent  work  with  his  men  he  brought 
them  to  that  perfection  in  the  manual  of  arms  and  in  field 
evolutions,  that  on  the  day  appointed  for  the  contest  and  the 
adjudication  they  won  an  easy  victory  and  were  awarded  the 
flag. 

In  the  closing  days  of  September,  the  precise  date  is 
forgotten,  there  was  an  order  issued  for  the  election  of  field 
officers.  It  had  been  very  well  understood  for  a  long  time 
who  were  the  choice  for  the  positions  of  colonel  and  lieuten 
ant-colonel,  and,  in  fact,  these  officers  had  already  received 
their  commissions;  but  it  was  evident  that  there  was  to  be  a 
lively  contest  for  the  major  ship.  Two  candidates  were  in 
the  field  for  the  position — Orrin  L.  Mann  and  William  H. 
Kanstead,  both  of  whom  had  been  active  in  organizing  and 
recruiting  for  the  regiment.  There  were  two  factions,  pretty 
evenly  divided  in  support  of  the  two  men ;  that  in  favor  of 
Ranstead  was  the  most  noisy  and  belligerent  and  consisted 
of  what  was  termed  the  "bummer"  element  of  the  regiment; 


ELECTION   OF  OFFICERS.  5 

the  party  in  favor  of  Mann  was  more  peaceful  and  orderly, 
but  fully  as  determined.  On  the  day  of  election,  the  officers 
gathered  together  in  one  of  the  larger  tents  and  prepared  for 
the  ballot,  selecting  Doctor  Clark  as  judge  of  election.  Slips 
of  paper  bearing  the  name  of  each  candidate  were  prepared 
and  the  voting  proceeded,  each  slip  being  dropped  into  a  hat 
on  the  table  before  the  judge.  When  the  votes  were 
counted,  it  was  found  to  be  a  tie  vote,  each  candidate  having 
received  an  equal  number;  but  the  judge  of  election  had  not 
yet  voted,  and  who  should  be  the  major  wholly  depended  on 
his  decision;  and  amid  a  most  profound  quiet  and  anxious, 
questioning  glances,  he  declared  for  Captain  Orrin  L.  Mann. 
As  soon  as  the  result  became  known  among  the  men  it  was 
evident  that  trouble  was  brewing.  Eanstead,  who  was 
present  on  the  grounds,  was  soon  surrounded  by  his  admir 
ers  and  supporters  and  was  lifted  upon  their  shoulders,  and 
as  they  paraded  him  around,  it  was  declared  that  he  should 
be  major  or  they  would  leave  the  regiment.  Some  disgrace 
ful  scenes  and  a  few  acts  of  violence  followed  in  the  course 
of  the  day,  but  by  nightfall  matters  became  quieted  down. 
Captain  Mann  was  not  present,  being  absent  sick,  and  it 
perhaps  was  best  so,  for  there  were  many  threats  of  violence 
made  against  him,  principally  due  to  whisky.  Eanstead 
declared  that  he  should  contest  the  matter  to  the  extent  of 
his  ability,  and  did  exert  all  the  influence  that  he  could  bring 
to  bear  upon  the  Governor;  but  it  proved  of  no  avail. 
Captain  Mann  received  the  commission  of  major. 

October  8th  the  order  that  we  had  anxiously  and 
patiently  looked  for  came  to  hand,  and  we  were  to  immedi 
ately  prepare  to  muster  into  the  United  States  service  for 
three  years,  and  to  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice. 

Absentees  were  notified  and  gathered  in,  and  everything 
made  in  readiness  for  the  change  awaiting  us.  A  grateful 
surprise,  however,  was  in  store,  before  leaving  Chicago, 


6  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

which  was  the  presentation  of  a  beautiful  silk  flag,  by  Miss 
Helen  Arion,  the  daughter  of  C.  P.  Arion,  who  had  taken  a 
lively  interest  in  our  affairs  from  the  first.  The  presentation 
was  made  at  the  close  of  dress  parade,  on  the  evening  of 
October  10th,  by  Colonel  Arion,  on  behalf  of  his  daughter,  and 
the  flag  was  received  by  Lieutenant- Colonel  Osborn,  who  in 
a  few  well-chosen  words  thanked  the  fair  donor  in  behalf  of 
the  regiment,  and  finally  ended  by  naming  her  the  "  Daughter 
of  the  Kegiment." 

October  llth,  1861,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
the  officers  and  men  were  formed  for  inspection  and  for 
"muster-in"  by  Captain  Webb,  U.  S.  A. 

Eight  hundred  and  six  officers  and  men  were  in  line, 
all  being  present  except  Company  H,  which  was  in  process 
of  recruiting.  Some  little  time  was  occupied  by  the  inspec 
tion,  and  at  the  last,  when  the  order  was  given  to  raise  the 
right  hand  and  be  sworn,  the  sight  was  solemn  and  inspiring 
as  this  body  of  stalwart  and  eager  men  took  the  oath  to 
defend  and  ever  uphold  the  government  of  the  United  States 
of  America. 

The  orders  received  directed  us  to  report  to  General  S. 
R.  Curtis,  commanding  Camp  of  Instruction  at  Benton 
Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  transportation  being  furnished  via 
the  Chicago,  Alton  and  St.  Louis  railroad.  At  eleven  o'clock 
A.M.  we  bade  a  last  adieu  to  Camp  Mather,  and  commenced 
the  march  to  the  depot,  stepping  out  to  the  inspiriting  strains 
from  the  band  of  "The  girl  I  left  behind  me."  We  were 
at  last  "off  to  the  wars,"  and  thus  commenced  the  first  of  a 
series  of  long  and  often  disastrous  marches  unattended  by 
such  pleasurable  emotions  as  at  this  time  filled  our  hearts. 
The  regiment  proceeded  by  way  of  Cottage  Grove  avenue  to 
Twenty-second  street,  turning  into  Michigan  avenue,  thence 
to  Madison  street,  and  to  the  cars.  The  men  put  their  best 
foot  forward,  making  a  most  creditable  and  soldierly  appear 
ance,  although  without  muskets,  gratefully  and  proud Jy 


ADDRESS  OF  GEORGE  C.  BATES.  7 

receiving  the  admiring  plaudits  of  the  thousands  who  had 
gathered  to  witness  the  departure  of  the  Thirty-Ninth. 

We  were  escorted  from  the  camp  to  the  depot  by  the 
Chicago  Zouaves  in  command  of  Captain  E.  L.  Brand,  and 
highly  appreciated  the  compliment. 

After  the  men  had  been  assigned  and  comfortably  dis 
posed  of  on  board  the  cars,  the  officers,  through  the  courtesy 
of  Mr.  C.  H.  Pratt,  one  of  the  officials  of  the  railway,  were 
invited  to  partake  of  lunch  at  the  Briggs  House,  where  they 


"  OFF   TO   THE    FBONT." 

at  once  proceeded,  and  with  good  appetites  soon  evinced 
their  appreciation  of  this  kindness.  After  the  meal,  Mr. 
George  C.  Bates,  an  old  soldier  and  a  prominent  lawyer  of 
Chicago,  arose,  and  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  made  the  fol 
lowing  address: 

OFFICEKS  OF  THE  PHALANX!  Although  entirely  surprised  by  the  sudden 
ness  of  the  command  that  has  summoned  me  to  join  you,  yet  I  am  too  old 
a  soldier,  and  my  heart  is  too  full  of  the  great  and  glorious  cause  that  has 
brought  us  together  here  to-day,  to  disobey  the  order  of  those  who  com 
mand  me  to  speak.  You,  soldiers,  have  just  now  ended  your  career  as 


8  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

mere  holiday  troops,  and  are  now  at  once  to  buckle  on  the  armor  and  to 
unsheathe  the  swords  of  gallant  knights  enrolled  to  maintain,  uphold  and 
defend  that  Constitution  and  that  Union  which  were  hammered  out  amidst 
the  fires  of  the  Revolution,  and  cemented  by  the  blood  of  the  fathers  and 
heroes  of  the  war  of  our  independence.  The  morning  reveille  which  has 
hitherto  summoned  you  to  roll-call,  will,  ere  another  day's  sun  shall  have 
gone  down  into  the  Pacific,  call  you  "  To  arms!  "  "  to  arms!  "  against  the 
deadly  foes  and  the  rebellious  crew  that  are  now  endeavoring  to  destroy  and 
overthrow  that  gorgeous  temple  of  Liberty  reared  by  Washington.  Han 
cock,  Adams,  Jefferson  and  their  compeers;  that  temple  which  has  hitherto 
challenged,  by  its  beauty,  the  admiration  of  all  the  nations  of  the  earth — 
a  temple  in  which  the  exiles  of  despotism  from  all  parts  of  the  world  have 
always  sought  an  asylum;  while  the  evening  tattoo  will  bid  you  to  sleep  on 
your  burnished  arms,  ready,  at  any  moment,  to  rally  to  the  bugle  call  to 
the  rescue  of  that  flag  which  has  always  floated  in  triumph  over  every  sea 
and  in  every  clime. 

The  hour,  Colonel,  is  a  sad  one,  and  this  parting  and  leave-taking,  in 
some  respects  painful,  for  you  leave  behind  you  your  wives,  your  little 
ones,  your  kinsfolk,  and  your  cheerful,  happy  homes.  And  yet,  our  only 
regret  is,  that  we,  too.  cannot  join  your  ranks,  enroll  our  names  upon 
your  muster,  and  rally  with  YOU  under  those  dear  old  Stripes  and  Stars.  You 
are,  indeed,  Colonel  and  officers,  to  be  envied,  that  you  con  go,  and  the 
buttons  you  wear,  the  swords  that  gird  your  thighs,  the  epaulettes  that 
mark  and  designate  your  rank,  are  all  badges  of  honor,  of  chivalry,  of 
duty  in  the  field,  which  we  civilians  can  only  covet,  not  enjoy.  You,  and 
such  as  you,  are  the  honored  children  of  this  glorious  republic,  of  whom,  in 
after  times,  when  the  Union  shall  have  been  successfully  maintained,  and 
peace  restored,  our  children  shall  say,  as  they  point  at  you  with  pride,  and 
their  eyes  sparkle  with  delight,  as  you  shall  pass  along  the  pathway  of  life: 
"There  goes  one  of  the  Army  of  the  Union!"  Honors'  shall  cluster  thick 
around  you,  and  garlands  of  myrtle  shall  be  woven  by  fairy  fingers  to 
entwine  around  your  brows,  and  when  finally  you  shall  be  gathered  to 
another  and  brighter  world,  on  the  slab  that  marks  your  resting  place  shall 
be  engraven  these  words: 

"  SACBED  TO  THE  MEMOBY  OF  A  SOLDIEB  OF  THE  UNION." 
Go,  Colonel,  and  you,  officers  of  the  Phalanx,  to  your  respective  posts. 
The  voice  of  your  country  calls  you — the  bugle  of  the  gallant  Pathfinder 
summons  you  to  join  his  ranks,  that  with  him  and  your  fellow-soldiers  of 
Illinois  you  may  once  more  raise  on  the  very  highest  peak  of  the  snowy 
mountains  that  divide  the  waters  that  flow  to  the  Pacific  from  those  that 
sink  into  the  Atlantic,  our  time-honored  flag,  every  stripe  unchanged,  every 
star  undimmei. 

It  may  be  that  it  is  your  glorious  privilege  to  join  the  loyal  sons  of 
Kentucky,  and  amidst  the  lovely  lawns  and  splendid  groves  of  Ashland, 
with  your  gleaming  bayonets  and  glittering  swords  over  the  very  grave  that 


ADDRESS  OF  GEORGE  C.  BATES.  g 

shields  the  ashes  of  the  immortal  Clay,  to  contend  against  the  degenerate 
and  dastard  sons  and  the  rebel  children  of  him  who  lived  and  died  to  main 
tain  and  adorn  that  Government  which  they  now  seek  to  destroy.  In  the 
name  of  Henry  Clay  we  bid  you  uphold  that  banner  under  which  he  was 
born,  for  the  honor  of  which  he  lived,  and  in  which  his  sacred  remains  now 
lie  enshrouded.  Strike  the  traitors  of  Kentucky  in  the  name  of  Clay! — his 
spirit  will  uphold,  his  prayers  in  heaven  will  echo  and  reecho  through  its 
vaults  in  your  behalf,  and  victory  will  perch  upon  your  banner  over  his 
tomb.  Should  your  command  for  one  moment  falter,  or  your  gallant  Pha 
lanx  hesitate,  point  them  to  that  gray-haired  patriotic  Conscript  Father  of 
our  Republic,  the  lion-hearted,  the  chivalrous  Crittenden,  who  has  come 
down  from  that  Senate  chamber,  of  which  he  was  so  long  the  proudest 
ornament,  has  exchanged  the  toga  for  the  musket,  and  with  his  gray  hairs 
streaming  in  the  wind,  at  almost  four  score,  has  put  upon  his  feeble  but 
sacred  shoulders  the  armor  and  breastplate  of  the  Union,  only  to  be  laid 
aside  when  he  shall  have  filled  a  soldier's  grave,  or  every  rebel  villain  from 
the  traitorous  vice-president  to  his  own  degenerate  son,  shall  have  been 
driven  from  Kentucky  beyond  the  Hermitage  where  sleeps  "Old  Hickory," 
into  the  turbid  waters  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Colonel,  well  may  you  and  your  soldiers  feel  proud  that  you  are  to 
fight  for  the  burial  place  of  Henry  Clay,  side  by  side  with  such  heroes,  buch 
statesmen,  such  orators  as  John  J.  Crittenden.  Let  the  watchword  of  your 
Phalanx  be,  Our  Union  and  its  great  defenders — Clay  and  Crittenden;  and 
then  strike  as  becomes  the  sons  of  Illinois,  the  soldiers  of  the  Union. 
From  every  mountain  and  in  every  valley  of  Kentucky  let  these  two  names 
be  sounded,  and  like  the  fiery  cross  of  Scotland,  from  every  brake  and  bush, 
from  every  hilltop  and  in  every  valley,  shall  the  sons  of  the  "dark  and 
bloody  ground,"  the  loyal  and  gallant  Kentuckians,  rush  to  the  rescue. 

Go.  then,  soldiers  of  the  Phalanx,  to  a  proud  and  glorious  victory,  or 
to  a  soldier's  honored  grave.  Our  prayer  at  morning  and  evening  shall  be 
— God  bless,  protect  and  save  our  country  and  its  warrior  sons. 

"What  though  destruction  sweep  these  lovely  plains? 
Rise,  fellow-men,  our  Union  yet  remains! 
By  that  dread  name,  we  wave  the  sword  on  high, 
And  swear  for  it  to  live,  with  it  to  die."' 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Bates,  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  Thomas  O.  Osborn  arose,  and  with  a  heart 
full  of  emotion  and  in  words  of  burning  eloquence,  responded 
in  behalf  of  the  Phalanx  and  its  officers.  He  told  of  the 
obstacles  in  its  infancy,  the  embarrassments  in  its  equipment, 
and  of  its  successful  and  perfect  organization,  and  pledged 
the  regiment  and  its  officers  to  either  maintain  and  defend 


10  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  cause  of  the  Union  or  to  leave  every  man  of  it  on  the 
field  of  battle  and  of  duty. 

A  short  and  stirring  speech  was  then  made  by  Captain 
Hooker,  when  the  order  was  given  "  Fall  in!"  and  the  officers 
proceeded  to  their  respective  posts.  An  excellent  collation 
was  also  provided  by  the  railroad  company  for  the  regiment 
and  Captain  Brand's  escort,  at  the  depot,  which  was  discussed 
with  eminent  satisfaction  and  elicited  universal  sentiments  of 
gratitude  for  the  generosity  which  had  anticipated  their 
wants. 


CHAPTER  II. 


Off  for  St.  Louis— Transferred  to  a  Steamboat  at  Alton — Man  Overboard 

Arrive  at  St.  Louis — Benton  Barracks — Scenes  in  Barracks — Receive 
Arms,  but  not  Satisfactory — Sickness — To  Join  Ward  H.  Lamon's 
Brigade  at  Williamsport,  Md. — Leave  St.  Louis — Incidents  of  the 
Journey — Arrival  at  Hagerstown,  Md. — March  to  Williamsport. 


A  FTER  leaving  the  Briggs  House  our  steps  were  directed 
to  the  cars,  where,  after  bidding  adieu  to  the  many 
friends  who  had  accompanied  us,  the  order  was  given  to 
move,  and  we  were  soon  separated  from  all  the  blandish 
ments  of  Chicago,  and  bade  a  long  good-bye  to  home 
scenes  and  comforts. 

The  occasion  was  one  that  enlisted  the  energy  of 
thought,  and  as  the  train  moved  forward  and  onward  a 
mournful  silence  seemed  to  take  possession  of  us  all,  relieved 
only  by  the  swift-rolling  wheels  and  the  jar  and  clatter  of 
motion;  but  the  re-action  soon  took  place,  and  the  jovial 
element  of  some  of  our  comrades  asserted  a  pre-eminence 
that  we  could  not  control,  and  in  mirthful  song  and  strange 
story  we  soon  forgot  the  past. 

We  reached  the  city  of  Alton  the  following  afternoon, 
where  a  most  desirable  change  awaited  us  in  the  shape  of  a 
steamboat  ride  down  the  river. 

The  transfer  was  soon  made,  and  "all  aboard!"  soon 
proclaimed,  when  we  heard  the  cry  of  "man  overboard!" 
All  rushed  to  see  what  was  the  matter,  but  thanks  to  the 
crew  of  the  steamer  the  man  was  already  landed,  and  proved 
to  be  one  of  the  men  who  had  imbibed  too  freely  of  the  milk 
of  "human  weakness,"  and  he  came  aboard  again  dripping 
and  sputtering  about  a  bath  in  the  Mississippi. 

11 


12  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

The  city  of  St.  Louis  was  reached  about  seven  P.M.  and 

the   command   disembarked   and  formed   for  the   march  to 

Benton  Barracks,  our  destination.     It  was  some  time,  how- 

'ever,  before  a  guide  was  found,  and  then  we   learned  that 

a   inarch   of   several   miles  was   before  us. 

The  regiment  started  out,  marching  by  platoons  up 
through  the  narrow  and  deserted  streets  with  no  one  to  cheer 
and  no  one  to  make  afraid.  Occasionally  some  belated 
traveler  or  vagrant  would  turn  to  watch  our  progress.  It 
was  not  until  the  band  had  come  together  and  commenced 
a  lively  air  that  the  streets  were  enlivened  by  the  lights 
from  door  and  window,  but  they  were  generally  quickly 
closed  again,  for  it  was  nothing  but  a  "Yankee  parade  "  in 
the  estimation  of  the  majority. 

We  reached  the  barracks  in  the  early  morning,  but 
received  no  accommodations  at  all  until  eight  o'clock,  when 
comfortable  quarters  were  assigned  to  the  field  and  staff 
officers  and  to  each  company. 

Benton  Barracks,  at  this  time,  was  a  Camp  of  Instruc 
tion  and  were  occupied  by  several  regiments  of  infantry  and 
one  regiment  of  cavalry  under  the  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  S.  E.  Curtis,  U.  S.  A. 

The  barracks  were  named  at  the  request  of  Major-Gen 
eral  Fremont  in  honor  of  his  father-in-law.  They  were 
pleasantly  located,  some  three  miles  west  of  the  city,  and 
were  very  extensive,  including  the  old  Fair  grounds  and 
some  three  hundred  acres  beside.  The  barracks  proper  were 
constructed  on  the  border  of  an  oblong  square  inclosing  one 
hundred  acres  which  was  used  for  parade  and  drill  purposes, 
and  the  appearance  presented  here,  at  times,  was  calculated 
to  awaken  enthusiasm  in  the  most  obtuse. 

For  the  first  few  days,  there  seemed  to  be  a  general 
revulsion  of  mind  occasioned  by  the  strange  scene  and  the 
consciousness  of  having  suffered  a  great  change  in  social  and 
culinary  arrangements.  We  had  but  just  begun  to  realize 


ORDERED    TO    WILLIAMSPORT.  13 

that  pork,  beef,  beans  and  hard-tack  were  the  ''staff  of  life" 
for  the  soldier,  and  the  continuous  use  of  this  provender, 
badly  cooked,  was  calculated  to  engender  a  bad  temper. 
The  post  sutler  was  the  only  alternative,  and  the  extor 
tionate  prices  for  little  delicacies  in  the  way  of  fruit  and 
cakes  made  one  wonder,  besides  making  him  sick.  All  were 
soon  familiar  with  the  new  routine  of  life;  and  in  going 
through  camp,  scenes  of  contented  comfort  and  enjoyment 
were  apparent. 

The  soldier  is  ever  the  creature  of  circumstances,  and 
we  had  made  up  our  minds  to  take  '-things  as  they  came," 
and  let  care  go  drifting;  and  the  leisure  time  was  employed 
throughout  camp  in  games  at  cards,  dancing,  and  practical 
jokes. 

Arms  for  the  regiment  were  received  October  16th, 
1861,  but  as  they  were  of  inferior  kind  the  men  protested 
against  them.  General  Curtis  stated  that  they  were  for 
drill  purposes  and  for  the  protection  of  the  camp,  and  that 
as  soon  as  possible  they  should  receive  better  ones;  which 
explanation  was  satisfactory. 

After  being  in  barracks  for  some  days,  sickness  among 
the  men  became  manifest,  and  it  was  not  an  unusual  matter 
to  have  one  hundred  and  fifty  report  at  "sick  call"  in  the 
morning.  Many  of  this  number  were  pure  malingerers,  of 
course,  and  reported  merely  for  the  purpose  of  being  ex 
cused  from  duty,  which  was  becoming  too  onerous  and 
"played  out,"  in  their  parlance,  and  wishing  to  escape  drill, 
they  reported  to  the  surgeon  for  an  excuse. 

It  had  been  intimated,  and  we  had  reason  to  believe 
that  we  were  to  be  sent  to  General  Sigel's  division,  but 
while  waiting  for  transportation,  Colonel  Ward  H.  Lamon, 
Marshal  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  arrived  on  the  26th 
day  of  October  with  an  order  from  General  Fremont  for  us 
to  proceed  to  Williamsport,  Maryland,  to  join  Ward  H. 


14  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Lamon's  brigade,  which  was  then  organizing,  and  was  to  be 
assigned  to  General  Banks'  division  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

The  order  directed  us  to  leave  camp  on  the  29th  of 
October  and  proceed  to  Leesburg  on  the  Potomac  via  Alton, 
Terre  Haute  and  Indianapolis.  Our  wish  would  have  been, 
by  the  way  of  Chicago ;  but  it  was  considered  that  too  much 
risk  would  be  run  in  the  matter  of  losing  men. 

For  some  reason  the  departure  of  the  regiment  from 
St.  Louis  was  deferred  until  October  31st,  1861,  and  the 
destination  changed  to  Hagerstown,  Maryland. 

The  journey  from  St.  Louis  to  Hagerstown  occupied 
thirty-six  hours,  The  incidents  of  the  trip  were  diverse  and 
exciting.  Everywhere  along  the  line  wre  met  with  hearty 
welcome,  amounting  to  ovations  in  some  instances.  At  the 
isolated  farm-houses,  the  inmates  came  to  the  portal  waving 
us  onward  and  giving  us  God-speed  to  our  destination  and 
our  mission. 

At  Indianapolis  a  collation  was  bountifully  spread  and 
partaken  of  with  thankful  hearts,  seasoned  as  it  was  with 
cheering  words  at  the  hand  of  youth  and  beauty  (feminine 
gender).  The  regimental  band  under  the  enthusiastic  Lace 
gave  them  some  patriotic  airs,  and  we  sped  onward,  travers 
ing  a  beautiful  and  picturesque  country  down  the  valley  of 
the  Beaver  and  Ohio  rivers  until  we  reached  Allegheny  City 
at  four  P.  M.,  November  1st. 

"We  crossed  the  river,  and  were  soon  in  Pittsburgh, 
where  a  delegation  from  the  "Soldiers'  Aid  Committee" 
escorted  the  regiment  to  rooms  over  the  city  market  and 
where  we  were  plentifully  fed  with  the  staples  of  life,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  luxuries. 

The  boys  put  away  the  "hash,"  as  they  termed  it,  with 
decided  relish  under  the  waiting  hands  and  smiles  of  the 
patriotic  women  of  Pittsburgh. 

At  this  point  we  were  transferred  to   the  Pennsylvania 


AT  PITTSBURGH— HARR1SBURG.  15 

railroad,  under  the  gaze  of  curious  thousands  who  had 
gathered  to  look  at  an  Illinois  regiment. 

As  we  moved  off,  the  grand  hurrahs  of  the  men  and  the 
encouraging  smiles  of  the  women  were  sufficient  to  satisfy 
even  the  most  apathetic  among  us.  The  cars  provided  for 
us  were  very  comfortable,  and  numbered  some  twenty-six 
aside  from  the  baggage  train,  and  three  locomotives  were 
attached  to  draw  us  onwards. 

In  passing  through  the  train  we  found  the  men  to  be 
unanimous  in  the  opinion  of  having  been  well  treated  in 
Pittsburgh,  and  it  was  amusing  to  a  great  degree  to  listen  to 


SUPPEB    AT    PlTTSBUEGH. 

their  talk.  Some  were  convinced  that  old  Pennsylvania  was 
the  most  hospitable  State  in  the  Union.  "  Didn't  they  treat 
us  well!"  says  one  who  had  a  box  of  cigars,  a  package  of 
tobacco  and  a  drinking  cup  that  had  been  presented  to  him. 
Others  would  only  admit  that  it  was  second  to  Indiana— 
"For  didn't  they  do  it  brown  for  us  in  Indianapolis!" 
There  was  gratitude  on  every  side,  and  we  were  thankful 
that  the  generous  people  had  been  so  thoughtful  for  us. 

At  midnight  we  commenced  the  ascent  of  the  mountain 
and  many  were  the  wishes  that  the  darkness  of  night  might 
be  changed  to  day  until  the  passage  was  made,  that  we 
might  enjoy  the  scenery. 


16  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Some  hours  were  occupied  in  making  the  transit,  and 
occasionally  we  caught  glimpses  of  awful  chasms  and  fright 
ful  precipices;  sometimes  were  whirling  along  unbroken 
ridges,  then  thundering  through  dismal  tunnels  cut  through 
massive  rock;  then  as  we  commenced  the  descent,  our  speed 
was  sometimes  alarming ;  but  the  only  satisfaction  obtained 
was  the  clangor  of  the  chained  wheels  as  they  slid  along  the 
rails,  awaking  shudders  for  our  safety. 

November  2d,  at  three  o'clock  P.M.,  we  reached  Harris- 
burg,  after  following  along  the  historic  Juniata  and  the 
broad  and  beautiful  Susquehanna  rivers. 

We  remained  sufficiently  long  to  transfer  our  train  to  the 
Cumberland  Valley  railroad,  and  were  soon  rolling  on  again, 
and  reached  Mechanicsburg,  a  lively  and  very  pleasant  city, 
and  one  that  will  remain  "  green"  in  the  memory  of  more  than 
one  connected  with  the  "  Phalanx,"  for  as  we  entered  the  town 
a  large  number  of  young  ladies  met  us  at  the  depot,  from 
the  Seminary  near  by,  each  bearing  the  colors  we  go  to 
maintain. 

Some  of  the  officers  and  men  were  so  fascinated  that 
they  jumped  from  the  train  and  hastened  to  pay  their 
respects,  thus  taking  lead  of  the  Field  and  Staff,  who  were 
so  importuned  that  at  last  they  consented  to  show  themselves 
— all  being  modest  and  retiring  men. 

A  merry  time  was  had  in  the  few  moments  that  we  were 
permitted  to  stop.  The  whole  population  of  the  town  had 
seemingly  turned  out  to  greet  us,  and  those  who  remained 
behind  were  seen  at  the  doors  and  windows  with  fluttering 
handkerchiefs  and  waving  hats. 

At  half -past  six  P.M.  we  reached  Carlisle,  our  Colonel's 
old  home,  and  who  called  our  attention  to  the  barracks 
where  he  had  spent  many  years  as  a  soldier. 

On  reaching  the  station  we  proceeded  to  the  hotel  for 
supper,  much  to  the  annoyance  of  the  engineers,  who  blandly 
told  us  that  they  would  not  stop  longer  than  five  minutes ;  but 


WELCOME    AT   CARLISLE.  17 

we  soon  ended  the  controversy  by  asserting  that  we  would 
remain  until  our  supper  was  finished,  well  knowing  that  their 
duty  would  not  be  compromised,  as  there  were  no  trains  to- 
meet  and  no  trouble  to  encounter  except  their  willfulness; 
and  we  enforced  our  point  by  giving  orders  to  have  the 
brakes  put  "hard  down"  in  case  they  attempted  to  start,  and 
many  of  the  boys  who  had  been  up  to  the  "trick"  before, 
were  only  too  glad  to  obey;  and  the  train  was  soon  under 
"  martial  law." 

On  leaving  the  supper-table  we  found  the  non-commis 
sioned  staff  and  men  enjoying  themselves  heartily  in  making 
the  acquaintance  of  the  many  ladies  who  had  gathered 
along  the  train  and  who  were  presenting  edibles  and  smiles 
in  one  motion  gratuitously ;  and  there  are  many  of  the  old 
"Phalanx"  who  will  cherish  thoughts  of  that  occasion  for  all 
time. 

Carlisle  lies  about  fifty  miles  from  the  border  of  Vir 
ginia,  and  in  the  track  of  rebel  invasion,  and  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  were  in  constant  fear  of  such  a  disaster  as  was 
realized  in  the  partial  destruction  of  their  place  in  1863, 
during  the  passage  of  Lee's  army  through  to  Gettysburg. 
The  railroad  runs  through  the  main  street  of  the  town,  and 
notwithstanding  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  the  streets  were 
full  of  people  to  welcome  troops  who  were  going  to  the  front 
to  place  themselves  between  them  and  danger.  The  ladies 
seemed  to  preponderate,  and  the  boys,  when  they  left  the 
train  to  stretch  their  legs,  were  quite  taken  by  surprise 
to  find  so  much  beauty  and  such  a  loving  welcome  as  was 
extended.  One  would  have  thought  that  they  had  all  come 
to  meet  some  long-absent  brother  or  son,  so  demonstrative 
was  their  greeting.  The  boys,  after  recovering  from  their 
surprise,  rather  enjoyed  the  affair,  and  much  regretted  that 
it  could  not  be  continued  indefinitely  or  taken  along. 

It  was  eight  o'clock  before  we  were  started  again,  and  it 
will  be  remembered  that  every  town  we  passed  through  was 


18  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

illuminated  with  bonfires  and  lights  placed  at  the  windows 
and  portals  of  the  houses — in  fact  a  perfect  ovation  had 
been  tendered  the  command  from  its  first  starting  out  to  the 
end  of  the  journey. 

We  reached  Hagerstown,  Maryland,  at  midnight,  but 
did  not  leave  the  cars  until  morning,  on  account  of  the  rain 
which  had  commenced  to  fall  some  hours  previously. 

At  six  o'clock  we  removed  from  the  cars,  during  a  tem 
porary  lull  in  the  storm,  to  the  market  house,  which  was 
kindly  placed  at  our  disposal  and  where  the  morning  ration 
was  disposed  of.  The  city  was  very  quiet;  but  few  of  the 
citizens  (principally  negroes)  gathered  around  to  look  at 
us.  At  twelve  M.,  November  7th,  the  baggage  train  and 
ambulances  reported  from  Williamsport.  The  train  was 
speedily  loaded  and  we  started  out,  in  a  drenching  rain,  for 
our  destination.  The  march  occupied  two  hours'  time,  but 
it  was  not  a  gloomy  one  notwithstanding  the  heavy  rain  and 
driving  wind.  There  was  no  complaining,  for  every  man 
behaved  himself  as  a  soldier,  and  the  vivacity  of  spirit  and 
elasticity  of  step  was  wonderful  in  consideration  of  all  the 
circumstances.  Officers  and  men  were  soon  wet  to  the  skin, 
and  it  was  only  occasionally  that  some  of  the  more  effemi 
nate  reported  back  to  the  ambulance  for  shelter. 

Williamsport,  the  "  Omega"  of  our  tramp,  was  reached 
at  three  o'clock  P.M.,  and  we  proceeded  to  take  quarters  in 
several  vacant  warehouses  on  the  banks  of  the  canal,  as  it 
was  deemed  impossible  to  pitch  the  tents  on  account  of  the 
high  wind  and  incessant  rain. 

But  one  incident  had  occurred  to  mar  the  pleasure  of  our 
progress  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  to  Williamsport,  Md.  Before 
leaving  Pittsburgh,  Private  Daniel  Neal,  of  Company  K, 
while  the  car  in  which  he  was  riding  was  at  rest  upon  a 
bridge  (the  train  having  stopped  for  repairs),  missed  his 
footing  upon  the  platform  and  was  precipitated  down  through 
the  trestle-^work  a  distance  of  forty  feet.  Fortunately  the 


PRIVATE  NEAL'S  MISFORTUNE.  19 

bed  of  the  stream  beneath  was  shallow,  and  he  escaped 
drowning ;  but  when  picked  up  it  was  found  that  he  had  suf 
fered  a  severe  concussion  of  the  spinal  column,  with  fracture 
of  two  of  the  processes  of  the  dorsal  vertebrae.  The  lower 
limbs  were  paralyzed.  He  was  taken  aboard  the  cars  again 
and  made  as  comfortable  as  circumstances  would  permit,  and 
on  reaching  Pittsburgh  he  was  placed  under  competent  care 
at  Dr.  Waller's  Surgical  Infirmary.  After  recovery  he  re 
joined  the  regiment  at  Arlington  Heights,  Va.,  in  1864,  and 
was  discharged  by  reason  of  physical  deformity. 


CHAPTEK   III. 


Making  Encampment — Regimental  Hospital — Measles — Death  of  Lieuten 
ant  Richardson — His  Burial — How  the  Surgeons  were  Treated — Rem 
iniscence  of  Washington — Refugees — The  Thirteenth  Massachusetts 
Volunteers — A  False  Alarm — Porte  Crayon — Colonel  Light's  Dismissal 
— Meeting  of  Company  Officers— Colonel  Osborn  Promoted  to  the 
Vacancy — Thanksgiving,  and  How  Observed. 


A   FTEK  a  good  night's  rest  in  our  provisional  quarters 

we  removed  to  a  camping-ground  about  one  mile  from 

the  town,  it  being  located  on  the  summit  of  a  broad  ridge 

near  the  river,  from  which  and  the  enemy's  pickets  it  was 

closed  from  view  by  a  belt  of  heavy  timber. 

The  regimental  hospital  was  established  in  the  town, 
having  appropriated  a  large  brick  structure,  formerly  a  hotel, 
for  the  purpose.  It  was  capable  of  containing  about  one 
hundred  patients,  and  was  soon  repletely  full  by  reason  of 
an  epidemic  of  measles  which  broke  out  about  this  time 
among  the  men  of  the  command,  aside  from  other  and  fre 
quently  recurring  diseases  incident  to  camp  life.  The  medi 
cal  officers  of  the  regiment  treated  some  three  hundred  cases 
of  measles  in  this  hospital  without  the  loss  of  a  single  life; 
but  afterwards,  the  sequelae  frequently  occasioned  death. 

While  here,  First-Lieutenant  Joseph  W.  Richardson,  of 
Company  A,  was  taken  sick  with  typhoid  fever.  He  received 
the  best  of  care  at  the  Globe  Inn,  where  he  was  quartered, 
but  after  a  painful  illness  he  succumbed  to  the  disease, 
November  17th,  1861.  The  ladies  of  the  house  contributed 
a  very  pretty  wreath  of  flowers,  and  the  regimental  colors, 
furled  with  crape,  were  hung  at  the  window  of  the  room  where 
he  lay.  He  was  buried  with  military  honors  on  the  banks  of 


DEATH    OF  LIEUTENANT  RICHARDSON.  21 

the  Potomac  river,  between  two  hostile  armies — the  friends 
and  foes  of  the  Union. 

The  regiment  had  no  arms  at  this  time,  and  upon  request 
to  Colonel  Leonard,  commanding  the  Thirteenth  Massachu 
setts  and  the  Post,  to  send  a  firing  party,  he  responded  with 
his  whole  regiment,  which  turned  out  with  the  Thirty-Ninth 
to  do  the  last  sad  offices  for  the  dead  lieutenant.  This,  per 
haps,  is  the  only  instance  during  the  war  where  two  regi 
ments,  at  the  front,  attended  the  burial  of  a  soldier,  no  matter 
of  what  rank.  Chaplain  McReading  read  the  impressive 
burial  service  of  the  Masonic  Order,  to  which  the  deceased 
belonged,  and  soon  after  the  hills  echoed  the  salute  which 
Massachusetts  fired  over  the  grave  of  a  patriot  son  of  Illi 
nois. 

The  medical  officers  remained  in  town  for  the  reason 
that  the  hospital  was  located  there,  but  each  morning  either 
the  surgeon  or  the  assistant  rode  out  to  camp  at  seven  o'clock 
A.M.  to  hold  "  sick  call."  There  seemed  to  be  an  organized 
fellowship  among  members  of  the  several  companies  to  give 
the  "doctor"  a  warm  reception  at  each  visit,  and  no  sooner 
did  we  reach  the  outline  of  camp  than  a  perfect  howl  was 
sent  up  in  which  could  be  distinguished  expressions  such  as 
"There  comes  old  Salts!  Castor  O-i-1-1  !!  Quinine!!!" 
etc.,  etc.,  and  which  was  echoed  and  re-echoed  from  one  end 
of  camp  to  the  other,  making  a  most  unpleasant  strain  upon 
the  sensitive  tympanums  of  the  doctors. 

The  medical  officers,  however,  had  the  opportunity  for 
revenge  among  the  large  number  that  always  presented  for 
excuse  from  duty  (mainly  malingerers),  by  repeating  the 
doses  of  salts  and  oil  and  quinine,  and  personally  attending 
the  administration. 

The  practice  of  catharticism  among  the  men  was  ren 
dered  almost  absolute  by  reason  of  the  continual  gourman- 
dizing  of  indigestible  rubbish  from  the  sutlers,  and  it  was  a 
matter  of  surprise  that  no  more  sickness  was  engendered 


22  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

from  the  inordinate  stuffing  that  was  continually  practiced; 
but  perhaps  the  epsom  salts  so  lavishly  dispensed  was  the 
antidote,  and,  be  it  known,  a  six  months'  supply  was  consumed 
in  the  short  space  of  six  weeks. 

Opposite  the  Potomac  House  in  the  town,  was  a  quaint 
structure  that  possessed  more  than  common  interest,  and 
around  which  many  reminiscences  of  the  past  clustered  that 
are  still  dear  to  every  American  heart.  It  was  in  this  build 
ing  that  General  George  Washington,-  while  looking  for  a 
site  for  the  national  capital,  made  his  headquarters  and 
remained  for  the  space  of  two  weeks.  Williamsport  was  a 
locality  he  had  in  view  at  one  time,  but  some  circumstance 
changed  it  to  the  present  locality. 

We  were  close  upon  the  rebels  here,  and  could  see 
their  pickets  daily  pacing  along  the  high  ridges  of  the 
opposite  shore  of  the  Potomac  river,  and  sometimes  we  had 
a  view  of  large  numbers  of  cavalry  who  were  scouting  and 
continually  driving  the  Union-loving  men  and  women  from 
their  homes,  besides  plundering  and  destroying  their  prop 
erty. 

Williamsport  was  full  of  refugees  that  had  been  forced 
to  leave  their  homes  on  account  of  their  loyal  sentiments. 
It  was  also  full  of  spies,  who,  under  the  most  strict  surveil 
lance,  managed  to  communicate  with  the  enemy  on  the 
opposite  shore.  There  were  rebels  in  the  town,  too,  but  they 
were  securely  lodged  in  the  guard-house. 

The  regiment,  at  this  time,  had  no  arms,  but  were  daily 
expecting  them,  and  as  a  consequence  we  felt  ourselves  to 
be  in  a  very  lame  condition,  with  no  means  of  offense  or 
defense  except  what  nature  had  provided. 

The  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  then  quar 
tered  in  town,  were  armed  with  the  Enfield  rifle,  and  besides, 
there  were  several  companies  of  cavalry  well-mounted  and 
armed,  and  a  section  of  battery  of  rifled  cannon. 

It    was  promised  that  two  more  regiments,  one    from 


A    FALSE   ALARM. 


23 


West  Virginia  and  one  from  Pennsylvania,  would  soon  join 
us,  and  then  it  was  proposed  to  cross  the  river,  proceed  to 
Martinsburg,  thirteen  miles  distant,  where  there  .was  some 
five  thousand  of  the  enemy  with  heavy  ordnance,  and  we, 'of 
course,  were  going  to  dislodge  them  and  establish  a  new 
base  of  operations;  but 

"  The  well-laid  plans  of  mice  and  men 
Gang  aft  aglee;  " 

and  so  in  this  instance  we  suffered  disappointment.  Had 
we  crossed  the  river,  the  example  of  General  Patterson,  who 


THE     CAMP     KITCHEN.       (FROM     PHOTOGRAPH.) 

was  our  predecessor,  would  not  have  been  followed,  for  we 
had  no  sympathy  with  the  rebellion. 

November  10th,  1861,  there  was  some  indication  of  an 
attack,  judging  from  the  preparations  that  were  making  on 
the  opposite  bluffs,  but  it  eventuated  in  nothing  but  a  scare. 

A  little  episode  in  our  history  grew  out  of  the  matter, 
however,  which  was  very  personal  in  its  application.  At 
about  nine  o'clock  r.  M.  the  "long  roll"  sounded  through 
camp,  and  it  being  our  first  experience  with  it,  an  unusual 
excitement  and  commotion  was  soon  established.  Every 
man,  it  is  presumed,  fully  believed  that  the  "  Secesh  "  were 


24  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

coming,  full  tilt,  from  the  fact  that  various  rumors  during 
the  clay  had  prepared  them  to  give  credence  to  almost 
anything.  While  the  alarm  was  being  sounded,  the  men 
were  seen  slinging  their  knapsacks  and  grasping  anything 
that  would  serve  as  a  weapon  before  taking  their  place  in 
the  line  that  was  forming,  and,  strange  to  say,  a  perfect 
alignment  was  made  in  the  space  of  three  minutes'  time. 
The  band  came  out  with  their  instruments  in  one  hand  and 
a  carpet-bag  in  the  other,  each  member  looking  somewhat 
bewildered.  The  females  in  camp,  and  there  were  several, 
the  wives  of  enlisted  men,  who  had  come  out  as  laundresses, 
were  in  a  maze  of  bewilderment  and  fluttered  about  with 
bundles  of  clothing  in  their  arms  and  slung  over  their  backs, 
fully  intent  on  preserving  their  effects  from  what  would  soon 
be  (in  their  belief)  a  plundered  camp. 

After  the  line  was  formed,  the  regiment  was  put  in 
motion  and  maneuvered  about  for  some  little  time,  when  it 
was  dismissed  by  the  colonel  with  some  explanations. 

The  men  were  unanimous  in  considering  it  a  good  joke, 
but  confessed  to  a  bitter  disappointment  that  their  fears  had 
not  been  realized. 

While  we  were  at  Williamsport  we  made  the  acquaint 
ance  of  David  Strother,  but  more  familiarly  known  as 
"Porte  Crayon"  from  his  pen  and  pencil  sketches.  Heat 
the  time  was  engaged  in  scouting,  and  frequently  made  his 
appearance  at  the  Potomac  House  where  he  would  spend  a 
social  evening.  We  took  much  pleasure  in  entertaining  him, 
well  knowing  him  as  a  literary  acquaintance  and  a  staunch 
Union  man  in  his  sentiments  and  actions.  He  was  after 
wards  on  the  staff  of  Major-General  Banks,  and  before  the 
close  of  the  war  had  the  commission  of  colonel. 

In  the  latter  part  of  November,  1861,  Colonel  Austin 
Light  left  the  regiment  by  order  of  the  War  Department. 
The  reasons  for  his  dismissal  are  well  known  to  many 


DEPARTURE   OF  COLONEL   LIGHT.  25 

who  were  present  with  the  regiment  at  the  time,  and  therefore 
it  would  serve  no  good  purpose  to  repeat  them  here. 

What  was  reported  as  to  Colonel  Light's  conduct  while 
a  corporal  in  the  U.  S.  Army,  may  or  may  not  have  been 
true,  Even  if  it  were,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  writer  (who 
was  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances),  that  there  was 
no  justification  for  his  removal. 

The  order  caused  a  painful  surprise.  The  men  had 
become  much  attached  to  him,  for  he  was  an  efficient  officer 
and  a  kind-hearted  man.  The  men  marched  in  a  body  to 
headquarters  to  bid  him  good-bye.  The  Colonel  thus 
addressed  them: 

"FELLOW  SOLDIERS,  OFFICERS  AND  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  THIRTY-NINTH: 
It  has  pleased  the  War  Department  through  the  influence  of  some  political 
intrigue,  I  know  not  how  else,  to  deprive  your  Colonel  of  his  command. 
As  I  leave  you,  I  must  say  that  I  have  found  you  soldiers  such  as  command 
my  respect  and  such  as  I  should  be  proud  to  lead  against  the  rebels  now 
in  arms.  I  must  now  bid  you  farewell." 

As  he  passed  through  the  ranks,  on  his  departure, 
every  head  was  bared  and  much  sorrow  expressed  in  many 
ways. 

As  soon  as  it  was  known  that  our  "Light"  had  gone  out 
we  went  to  work  to  get  a  new  colonel. 

The  company  officers  were  at  first  bitterly  opposed  to 
supplying  the  vacancy  by  promotion,  and  held  a  meeting  on 
the  night  of  December  4th,  in  the  parlors  of  the  Potomac 
hotel  for  the  purpose  of'  choosing  a  man  to  fill  the  vacancy. 
The  first  choice  was  William  J.  Wyatt,  of  Illinois,  and  the 
second' Thomas  Morgan,  of  the  same  State;  but  notwithstand 
ing  this  action  on  their  part,  the  Governor  promoted 
Lieutenant-Colonel  T.  O.  Osborn  to  the  colonelcy,  Major 
Orrin  L.  Mann  to  the  lieutenant-colonelcy,  and  Captain  S. 
W.  Munn,  of  Company  A,  to  the  majorship,  and  matters 
were  soon  adjusted  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  parties. 

December  5th,  Colonel  Leonard,  of  the  Thirteenth 
Massachusetts  regiment,  commanding  the  post,  received 


26  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

orders  from  Washington  to  send  forward,  without  delay,  all 
the  troops  he  could  to  re-inforce  General  Kelly,  at  Komney, 
Virginia,  who  was  said  to  be  creeping  down  to  engage  the 
rebels  and  re-open  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad. 

We  had  not  as  yet  received  our  arms,  although  assured 
that  they  were  at  Hagerstown,  and  consequently  could  not  go 
to  the  assistance  of  General  Kelly. 

The  health  of  the  command  at  this  time  was  excellent, 
the  measles  having  run  their  course,  three  hundred  and  fifty  - 
three  cases  having  been  treated  in  the  short  space  of  two 
months,  aside  from  other  diseases.  The  mortality  list  was 
small  indeed,  the  only  deaths  in  the  command  being  Lieu 
tenant  Joseph  Kichardson,  from  typhoid  fever;  Private 
William  Parrish,  of  Company  G,  from  organic  disease  of 
the  heart ;  and  Private  Henry  Hoisington,  Company  B,  from 
tuberculosis. 

Thanksgiving  Day  came,  bringing  with  it  a  suspension  of 
all  but  necessary  duties,  and  likewise  a  considerable  number 
of  turkeys  and  chickens  whose  age,  lineage  and  previous 
history  were  not  especially  inquired  into,  having  been  pro 
vided  by  the  genius  who  watches  after  the  wants  of  the 
soldier.  Several  officers  were  invited  to  dinner  in  town  with 
the  officers  of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts ;  others  dined  at 
the  house  of  Captain  Kennedy,  of  the  First  Maryland 
Infantry.  In  the  evening  a  grand  ball  was  held  at  the  Globe 
Inn,  and  largely  attended,  but  did  not  prove  particularly 
interesting,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  women  for  partners. 
But  a  "stag "-dance  being  better  than  no  dance  at  all,  the 
fun  was  continued  until  the  small  hours  of  a  very  foy-gy 
morning  in  more  senses  than  one. 


CHAPTEK   IV. 


Arms  for  the  Regiment — Orders  Received  to  Guard  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad — Depart  for  Hancock,  Md. — Cross  the  Potomac  River  to 
Alpine  Station — Posting  of  Companies — Surmises  and  Expectancy — 
"Stag"  Dances — The  Colonel  and  Terpsichore — Swan  Family — Fort 
Osborn — Scouting — Applejack — Enemy  Approaching — The  Detached 
Companies — How  Quartered — Berkeley  Springs — The  Strother  Fam 
ily — Expedition  to  Bloomer's  Gap — Commotion  in  Camp — The 
Chaplain  and  Lieutenant  Belcher,  etc. — Dr.  Clark  goes  to  Bath — 
Colonel  Osborn's  Official  Report  of  Operations  at  Bath  and  Other 
Places — General  Imboden's  Account  of  Jackson's  Expedition. 


rTTEE  DAYS  passed  uneventfully  by,  the  hours  filled  out 
with  the  monotonous  routine  of  camp  duties,  with  the 
exception  of  the  stir  occasioned  on  the  arrival  of  arms 
for  the  regiment  in  the  early  part  of  December.  They  were 
the  Springfield  rifle  —  a  most  excellent  and  serviceable 
weapon— and  the  men  were  jubilant  over  the  possession, 
having  considered  that  they  were  only  half  soldiers  with  no 
means  of  offense  or  defense. 

December  15th,  1861,  the  regiment  broke  camp  and 
departed  for  Hancock,  Md.,  some  sixteen  miles  distant,  the 
camp  and  garrison  equipage  being  transported  by  canal- 
boat.  It  arrived  at  Hancock  on  the  following  day,  after 
bivouacking  at  Clear  Spring  over  night,  and  at  once  crossed 
tfre  Potomac  river  to  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  having  orders  to 
guard  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad. 

The  various  companies  of  the  command  were  distributed 
as  follows:  Companies  A,  B,  C,  and  F  at  Alpine  Station 
and  vicinity;  Company  E  at  Sir  John's  Kun,  six  miles  dis 
tant  up  the  road  in  the  direction  of  Cumberland;  Company 
G,  at  Great  Cacapon  bridge ;  and  Companies  D,  K,  and  I  at 


27 


28 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


Bath  or  Berkeley  Springs,  six  miles  in  the  interior,  back 
from  the  river.  The  regimental  headquarters  were  estab 
lished  at  Alpine,  taking  possession  of  the  vacant  house 
belonging  to  Johnson  Orrick,  then  a  member  of  the  Con 
federate  Congress,  and  who  had  removed  his  family  to 


MAP  OF  OUB  CAMPAIGNS  IN  VIEGINIA  AND  WEST  VIEGINIA. 

Richmond.  The  hospital  was  also  established  at  this  place. 
The  Orrick  mansion  was  spacious  and  roomy;  but  nothing 
had  been  left  behind  to  facilitate '  the  comforts  of  keeping 
house,  being-  an  exception  to  the  quarters  found  by  the  com- 


AT  ALPINE   STATION,    VA.  29 

pany  officers  at  Bath  and  other  places.  There  was,  however, 
good  stabling  for  horses,  with  plenty  of  hay  and  grain. 

The  cold  December  days  and  the  long  dreary  nights 
here  were  full  of  surmises  and  expectancy,  with  now  and 
then  a  stirring  rumor  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  Aside 
from  this,  there  was  nothing  to  excite  or  amuse.  By  way  of 
variety,  an  occasional  dance  would  be  indulged  in,  and  many 
will  remember  that  it  was  while  quartered  in  the  Orrick 
house  that  Colonel  Osborn  learned  his  first  steps  in  the 
contra-dance  from  Phil.  Lace,  the  band  leader;  and  so  capti 
vating  did  it  prove  for  the  gallant  Colonel  that  it  was 
reported  that  he  was  often  seen,  in  the  dead  of  night, 
careering  around  with  his  shadow  reflected  on  the  wall  by 
the  light  of  a  candle.  But  this,  doubtless,  was  somewhat 
imaginative. 

Alpine  Station  consisted  of  a  few  straggling  houses. 
The  only  family  of  any  prominence  left  there  was  the  Swan 
family,  made  up  of  father,  mother,  and  two  daughters — all 
pronounced  rebel  sympathizers.  The  old  gentleman  was  such 
a  dyed-in-the-wool  rebel  that  he  was  accommodated  with 
quarters  in  the  calaboose  over  at  Hancock  in  charge  of  Captain 
Fox,  who  commanded  a  detachment  of  the  Thirteenth  Massa 
chusetts  stationed  there.  One  of  the  daughters,  Miss  Fannie 
Swan,  was  no  less  bitter  in  her  hatred  of  the  Yankees,  and 
there  was  little  reason  to  doubt  that  she  possessed  among  her 
other  accomplishments,  that  of  a  spy,  and  she  was  placed  under 
constant  surveillance.  The  Western  men  found  considerable 
more  favor  in  her  eyes,  however,  than  those  from  Massachu 
setts,  and  at  times  she  was  disposed  to  be  most  gracious. 
The  assistant  surgeon  of  the  regiment  had  especially  ingra 
tiated  himself,  and  she  had  so  worked  upoji  his  sympathies 
that  he  received  permission  from  Captain  Fox  to  take  her 
father  home  to  spend  Chrism  as  day ;  and  in  this  way  the 
doctor  and  a  few  others  got  a  solid  dinner.  But  the  doctor 
did  not  enjoy  it  overmuch,  having  to  keep  the  old  gentleman 


30  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

in  mind  all  the  time,  being  'responsible  for  his  safe  return  at 
a  specified  hour. 

Some  earthworks  were  thrown  up  near  the  Orrick  house, 
for  the  protection  of  headquarters  it  was  supposed,  that  was 
christened  Fort  Osborn;  but  there  was  never  occasion  for 
their  use. 

The  men  of  the  various  companies  stationed  at  Alpine 
and  other  places  were  kept  constantly  busy,  often  being  sent 
out  in  scouting  parties  and  frequently  returning  with  prison 
ers  and  horses,  or  whatever  else  was  considered  contraband 
of  war.  And  they  rather  seemed  to  enjoy  it,  too ;  for  in  this 
wise  the  commissariat  was  often  replenished  with  something 
more  palatable  than  pork  and  hard-tack.  It  will  be  remem 
bered  that  when  a  scouting  party  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenaiit-Colonel  Mann  were  out  on  the  road  leading  to  Mar- 
tinsburg  they  overhauled  the  house  of  a  noted  secessionist, 
bringing  to  light  from  the  cellar  some  five  barrels  of  old 
apple-jack,  which,  by  order  of  the  Colonel,  was  condemned  to 
make  a  puddle  in  the  road,  notwithstanding  it  was  fifteen 
years  old  and  the  party  very  thirsty.  All  they  succeeded 
in  getting,  however,  was  a  good  long  smell. 

Information  received  almost  daily  from  various  sources 
gave  indication  that  the  enemy  were  preparing  to  attack  in 
force.  Encounters  frequently  took  place  with  the  rebel  cav 
alry  and  we  were  kept  in  a  state  of  constant  expectancy  and 
vigilance.  Night  alarms  were  frequent — generally  resulting, 
however,  in  nothing  more  than  a  momentary  panic  and  a 
disturbance  of  rest  among  those  off  duty.  "The  hour  was 
not  yet  come,"  but  we  felt  it  to  be  approaching.  The  de 
tached  companies  at  Bath  were  exceedingly  well  provided  for. 
Company  D,  Captain  Linton,  was  quartered  near  the  bath 
houses.  Whether  they  improved  their  opportunities  to  keep 
clean  is  somewhat  uncertain.  Company  I,  Captain  Phillips, 
was  stationed  upon  Warm  Spring  ridge,  overlooking  the 
town,  and  the  captain  and  his  lieutenants  occupied  a  large 


BATH,   OR  BERKELEY   SPRINGS.  31 

three-story  stone  house,  the  former  occupants  of  which  had 
left  behind  much  costly  and  elegant  furniture,  such  as 
mahogany  bedsteads,  large  mirrors,  marble-top  tables,  etc.; 
and  when  we  had  occasion  to  visit  his  quarters  the  captain 
did  the  honors  in  regal  style.  Company  K,  Captain  Wood 
ruff,  was  also  stationed  on  the  ridge,  and  fared  sumptuously, 
while  Lieutenant  Muhlenburg,  in  command  of  a  section  of 
battery  of  the  Fourth  U.  S.  Artillery,  occupied  the  court 
house.  He  used  to  remark  that  court  was  in  session  every 
day  and  at  all  hours,  and  that  there  was  a  standing  invitation 
to  call  up  and  see  his  friend  Judge  Applejack  at  any  time. 

All  will  remember  Muhlenburg  and  the  good  service  he 
rendered  with  his  two  pieces  at  Bath  and  Hancock,  January 
3d  and  4th,  1862.  He  was  small  in  quantity  but  immense  in 
quality — a  jovial,  breezy  fellow,  and  a  smart,  intelligent  and 
brave  officer.  Death  claimed  him  some  time  in  1863. 

Bath,  or  Berkeley  Springs,  had  been  the  great  "watering 
place"  and  summer  resort  for  Southern  people,  and  the 
inhabitants  had  received  their  principal  support  from  the 
many  pleasure-seekers.  It  is  situated  at  the  foot  of  Warm 
Spring  ridge,  and  lovely  scenery  surrounds  the  place.  The 
house  at  the  Springs  was  occupied  by  the  Strother  family, 
and  in  it  was  a  large  collection  of  paintings  executed  by 
"  Porte  Crayon  "  and  mostly  sketched  by  him  while  on  a  tour 
through  Italy.  The  Strothers  were  a  loyal  family,  as  was 
also  that  of  Judge  Pendletoii,  living  near  by.  They  always 
extended  a  hearty  welcome  and  fully  sympathized  with  our 
presence  among  them. 

On  January  2d  an  expedition  was  sent  out  from  Bath 
to  reconnoitre  and  ascertain  the  whereabouts  of  the  enemy. 
After  proceeding  out  on  the  Martinsburg  road  some  six  miles 
it  returned  without  encountering  anything  in  the  shape  of 
armed  rebels. 

During  the  morning  of  the  ensuing  day  a  negro  came 
into  camp  and  reported  to  Major  Mann  that  the  whole  of 


32  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Jackson's  army  was  moving  on  Bath  and  that  the  advance 
could  not  be  more  than  five  miles  distant. 

Acting  upon  this  information  Captain  Linton,  of  Com 
pany  D,  with  sixty  men,  was  ordered  out  on  another  scout. 
Major  Mann,  with  several  cavalrymen,  accompanied  it.  After 
proceeding  some  four  or  five  miles  in  the  direction  of  Mar- 
tinsburg,  the  advance  of  what  proved  to  be  Jackson's  forces 
was  met  and  a  lively  skirmish  ensued,  which  resulted  in  one 
man  being  wounded  and  nine  taken  prisoners.  The  enemy 
was  held  in  check  for  some  time  by  the  excellent  manage 
ment  of  Captain  Linton,  who  divided  his  command  into  some 
five  or  six  sections,  each  under  command  of  a  sergeant,  and 
made  a  show  of  a  much  larger  force  than  was  present,  and 
by  their  excellent  knowledge  of  the  skirmish  drill,  for  which 
this  company  was  noted,  it  made  good  its  retreat  from  the 
large  and  constantly  increasing  numbers  of  the  enemy. 
Major  Mann,  who  was  mounted,  had  a  narrow  escape  from 
capture;  the  good  running  qualities  of  his  young  stallion 
saved  him.  The  company  made  good  its  return  to  Bath, 
reaching  there  after  dark,  and  was  not  followed  by  the  rebels. 

The  news  reached  camp  in  a  very  exaggerated  form, 
and  by  the  time  it  reached  Alpine  Station,  it  had  become 
alarming.  The  writer  had  gone,  late  in  the  afternoon,  to 
visit  some  patients  in  the  hospital  across  the  river  at  Han 
cock,  and  was  returning  when  he  met  Surgeon  Blake  and 
Colonel  Bowles,  the  latter  of  whom  gave  an  invitation  to  go 
over  to  his  house  and  listen  to  some  music  that  Lieutenant 
Brucker  and  his  daughter  were  executing  in  great  style. 

We  accepted,  remaining  at  the  house  until  about  nine 
o'clock  P.M.,  when  we  started  to  cross  the  river  to  Alpine. 
On  reaching  the  ferry  we  heard  a  great  call  for  the  ferryman 
from  the  opposite  shore.  The  first  voice  recognized  was  that 
of  Chaplain  McEeading,  who  was  vociferating  most  lustily, 
"O-o-o!  ferryman!  ferryman!!  for  God's  sake  come  over 
quick!  The  Thirty-Ninth  has  been  cut  all  to  pieces!"  Then 


PREPARING  FOR   THE  ENEMY.  33 

followed  a  stronger  and  more  excited  voice  that  we  recog 
nized  as  belonging  to  Lieutenant  Belcher,  of  Company  K. 
He  was  shouting  like  a  "Stentor" — notwithstanding  the 
presence  of  the  chaplain:  "Ferryman!  O-o-o  ferryman!! 
G-d  d — n  your  soul,  why  don't  you  hurry  up  with  that  boat! 
Do  you  want  to  have  us  all  gobbled  up?"  %The  ferryman 
was  in  his  shanty,  but  had  retired  for  the  night  and  was 
totally  oblivious  to  all  the  noise ;  but  we  speedily  roused  him, 
thinking  that  some  great  disaster  had  overtaken  the  troops 
at  Bath,  and  were  soon  in  the  skiff  and  across  to  the  opposite 
shore,  where  we  met  two  of  the  most  frantic  and  impa 
tient  men  ever  encountered.  Nothing  could  be  found  out 
that  was  at  all  satisfactory.  All  that  could  be  learned 
was  that  the  troops  at  Bath  were  all  cut  to  pieces,  Major 
Mann  a  prisoner,  and  that  they  were  going  for  the  Eighty- 
Fourth  Pennsylvania  regiment,  that  had  that  afternoon 
reached  Hancock  from  "Williamsport. 

Doctor  Blake  returned  with  them  and  followed  them  to 
the  headquarters  of  Colonel  Murray,  commanding  the  Eighty- 
Fourth.  The  Colonel  was  found,  and  as  he  afterwards 
stated,  "The  two  men  acted  as  if  they  were  crazy;  I  could 
get  no  definite  idea  of  what  had  occurred,  or  where  it  had 
occurred,  or  by  whose  orders  they  were  sent  to  me."  As 
soon  as  Blake  appeared  on  the  scene  he  gave  the  Colonel  the 
topography  of  Bath,  and  matters  were  explained  and  made 
more  satisfactory.  Colonel  Murray  said  that  his  regiment  was 
in  a  poor  condition  for  a  fight,  as  they  had  just  received  their 
guns  (the  Belgian  musket),  and  they  were  full  of  tallow,  and 
his  men  were  now  busy  thawing  them  out,  but  he  was  ready 
to  obey  orders. 

The  writer,  when  he  reached  the  Virginia  shore, 
proceeded  to  headquarters  but  found  no  persons  except  the 
members  of  the  regimental  band  and  a  few  other  non-com 
batants,  all  of  whom  were  much  excited,  and  getting  their 
traps  together  for  a  retreat  on  the  first  appearance  of  danger. 


34  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

A  snowstorm  had  set  in  during  the  early  part  of  the  evening 
which  did  not  add  much  comfort  to  the  situation.  The 
Swan  family  was  greatly  excited,  and  no  doubt  were  much 
pleased  with  the  prospect  of  getting  rid  of  the  Yankees. 
They,  however,  called  for  protection — not  from  any  fear  of 
the  rebels;  but  they  were  afraid  that  our  boys,  in  case  they 
were  driven  across  the  river,  might  commit  some  overt  act 
in  the  spirit  of  revenge.  They  were  not  gratified,  however; 
the  only  satisfaction  given  was  to  place  a  guard  at  the  house 
to  prevent  any  member  of  the  family  leaving  the  premises. 
On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  January  we  received  some 
intelligent  information  of  what  had  transpired  the  previous 
day,  and  which  has  already  been  given  to  the  reader.  Early 
in  the  day  we  caught  the  sound  of  artillery  firing  and  knew 
that  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  Bath.  No  medical  officer 
being  at  that  post,  Assistant  Surgeon  Clark  was  ordered  to 
proceed  there  at  once,  which  he  did,  reaching  there  safely, 
but  found  only  one  wounded  man — Private  Lankinaw  of 
Company  D,  and  he  had  been  shot  through  the  calf  of  the 
le*g  011  the  previous  evening.  There  was  a  cessation  of 
hostilities  towards  noon  and  Doctor  Clark  returned  to  Alpine 
for  instruments  and  dressings.  The  official  report  of 
Colonel  Osborii  regarding  this  affair  is  here  inserted. 

HEADQUABTEBS  THIBTY-NINTH  REGIMENT 
ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEEBS. 

HANCOCK,  MD.,  Jan.  S,  1862. 
To  GENEBAL  LANDEB,  Commanding  Division. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  a  report  of  our  late  skirmish  with 
the  rebel  forces  under  General  Jackson. 

While  we  were  guarding  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  from  Hancock 
or  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  to  Great  Cacapon,  on  the  19th  of  December,  1861, 
in  obedience  to  orders  from  General  Kelly,  then  commanding  division, 
the  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers  under  my  command 
crossed  the  Potomac  at  Hancock  to  the  Virginia  side  and  were  stationed 
as  follows:  Companies  A,  B,  C  and  F,  at  Alpine  Station;  Company  E  at  Sir 
John's  Run;  Company  G  with  Captain  Dikes'  Company  (Second  Maryland 
Volunteers)  at  Great  Cacapon;  while  Companies  D,  K,  I  and  Lieutenant 


THE  FIGHT  AT  BATH.— GEN.    OSBORN'S  REPORT.  35 

| 

E.  D.  Muhlenburg  with  one  section  of  Captain  Best's  Battery  were  stationed 
at  Bath,  Va.,  being  the  advanced  position,  and  the  key  to  our  whole  line. 

The  position  of  the  artillery  was  such  as  to  command  the  Martins- 
burg  and  Winchester  roads.  Scouts  were  sent  out  daily  at  different  points 
along  our  whole  line,  but  no  intimation  of  the  approaching  rebels  was 
received  until  the  third  day  of  January  at  four  o'clock  p.  M.,  when  informa 
tion  reached  us  that  a  large  force  of  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  our 
lines.  For  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  their  whereabouts  Captain  Russell 
(who  reported  to  me  the  day  before,  by  order  of  General  Kelly)  was 
detailed  with  thirty  of  his  cavalry  to  scout  in  the  direction  6f  Martinsburg 
from  Alpine  Station.  Major  0.  L.  Mann  and  Captain  Linton  with  thirty 
of  his  men  and  five  of  Captain  Russell's  cavalry  proceeded  from  Bath  on 
the  Winchester  road,  and  Captain  Slaughter  with  a  small  portion  of  his 
command  took  position  upon  Great  Cacapon  mountain,  commanding  a 
view  of  the  valley  between  Great  Cacapon  and  Warm  Spring  mountains,  a 
distance  of  three  miles,  where  he  discovered  a  rebel  force  which  he  esti 
mated  at  three  thousand.  Captain  Russell  reported  a  force  of  from  six  to 
eight  hundred  infantry  and  two  cavalry  companies  which  were  bivouacked 
on  the  Martinsburg  road  about  seven  miles  from  Alpine  Station. 

Major  O.  L.  Mann  and  his  party  had  proceeded  about  four  miles  on 
the  Winchester  road,  when  they  discovered  some  fifteen  of  the  rebel 
cavalry  whom  they  pursued  until  they  were  fired  upon  by  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty  rebel  infantry  who  in  ambush  had  awaited  until  our  men 
had  passed,  doubtless  designing  to  cut  off  their  retreat;  but  they  were 
disappointed.  Our  brave  boys  returned  their  fire,  driving  them  from  their 
position,  killing  five  of  the  rebels,  including  one  lieutenant,  wounding 
several  and  making  good  their  retreat  with  the  loss  of  three  slightly 
wounded  and  eight  taken  prisoners. 

In  anticipation  of  a  general  attack  by  a  much  superior  force  at  an 
early  hour  on  the  succeeding  morning,  our  men  were  kept  in  readiness  for 
immediate  action.  I  also  telegraphed  to  General  Kelly  for  support,  who 
promptly  replied  that  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volunteers  would  come  to 
our  assistance  by  eight  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  also  instructed  me 
to  call  on  Colonel  Murray  of  the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
who  was  lying  at  Hancock  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Potomac.  At  ten 
o'clock  Colonel  Murray,  who  had  just  received  his  arms,  which  were  in 
rather  a  greasy  condition  for  immediate  action,  crossed  the  Potomac  five 
hundred  and  fifty  strong  and  proceeded  to  Bath  to  strengthen  that 
position. 

At  four  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  fourth  of  January  our  forces  at 
Bath  took  position  on  Warm  Spring  Ridge,  overlooking  Bath,  and  near  our 
artillery. 

At  Hancock  Station  Company  A  took  position  on  the  hill  command 
ing  the  road  to  Winchester;  Companies  B  and  C  commanding  the  road  to 
Martinsburg  and  Sleepy  Creek;  and  Company  F,  Mount  Alpine,  and  Com- 


36  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

pany  G  (Captain  Slaughter),  at  Great  Cacapon,  with  a  detachment  of 
twenty-two  men  under  Lieutenant  Rudd,  at  Great  Cacapon  mountain. 

At  about  nine  o'clock  the  rebel  cavalry  made  a  demonstration  by 
driving  in  our  pickets  on  the  Martinsburg  road  leading  to  Alpine,  when 
Captain  Russell  with  twenty-five  of  his  cavalry,  and  Lieutenant  Sellards  of 
Company  B  with  sixty  infantry,  were  ordered  to  proceed  in  that  direction 
to  check  their  advance.  At  the  same  time  the  rebels  appeared  in  the 
woods  on  the  left  of  our  forces  at  Bath,  and  a  lively  skirmishing  fire  was 
kept  up  on  both  sides;  but  our  position  was  such  that  we  lost  no  men,  but 
a  number  of  rebels  fell  under  the  fire  of  the  artillery  and  our  long-range 
Springfield  rifles — Lieutenant  Muhlenberg  doing  good  service  in  holding 
the  enemy  at  bay  much  longer  than  we  could  otherwise  have  done. 

At  about  three  o'clock  P.M.  the  rebels  appeared  in  full  force,  variously 
estimated  at  from  ten  to  fifteen  thousand,  with  twenty -two  pieces  of  cannon. 
Colonel  Murray,  fearing  being  surrounded  by  such  an  overwhelming  force, 
and  believing  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  hold  his  position  at  Bath, 
ordered  a  retreat  by  way  of  Sir  John's  Run,  which  was  accomplished  in 
good  order,  Companies  I,  K,  and  D  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  covering  the 
retreat. 

The  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volunteers  were  met  near  Sir  John's,  but  too 
late  to  afford  any  assistance.  At  this  point  the  artillery,  together  with  the 
companies  above  mentioned,  forded  the  river  (there  being  no  other  means 
of  crossing),  Captain  Hooker  with  forty  men  remaining  to  defend  the  point 
from  the  Maryland  side,  the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  pro 
ceeding  down  the  railroad  to  Hancock. 

In  the  meantime  a  column  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  three  regi 
ments  of  infantry  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  advanced  upon  our  position 
at  Great  Cacapon.  Lieutenant  Rudd,  of  Company  G,  being  posted  upon 
the  mountain,  selected  a  position  near  a  bend  in  the  narrow  road  which  he 
knew  the  column  must  pass.  He  and  his  men  knelt  and  awaited  its 
approach,  and  not  until  the  foremost  files  were  within  twelve  rods,  was 
their  presence  suspected.  At  this  critical  moment  they  coolly  delivered 
their  fire,  and  several  of  the  enemy  were  seen  to  fall,  while  the  head  of  their 
column  was  thrown  into  confusion.  Taking  advantage  of  this,  they 
retreated  to  another  shelter  on  the  road,  thus  holding  them  at  bay  until  the 
darkness  of  night  covered  them  before  the  rebels  dare  descend  the  moun 
tain. 

At  about  six  o'clock  the  enemy  succeeded  in  planting  their  cannon 
and  opened  fire  upon  the  Union  troops  stationed  at  Hancock,  and  which  were 
placed  behind  a  natural  barricade  of  brick  walls  aligned  on  the  principal 
street.  The  ball  opened  at  last,  and  the  command  was  kept  in  a  most 
horrid  situation  for  the  following  twelve  (12)  hours  by  the  booming  of 
Jackson's  cannon  and  the  reply  of  our  two  (2)  pieces  of  ordnance  of  the 
Fourth  U.  S.  Artillery  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Muhlenberg,  U.  S.  A.  We 
held  our  own  and  were  receiving  reinforcements. 


GEN.   IMBODEWS  ACCOUNT   OF  THE  AFFAIR.  37 

The  next  morning  there  was  a  signal  for  a  "  flag  of  truce,"  from  the 
command  of  Jackson  and  Loring.  Lieutenant-Colonel  0.  L.  Mann  with 
proper  escort  and  a  boat  went  over  to  Alpine  Station,  and  brought  back 
with  him  Colonel  Ashby,  of  the  cavalry,  blindfolded.  He  was  taken  to  head 
quarters  under  an  escort,  and  made  known  his  wishes  and  demands, 
which,  of  course,  were  not  acceded  to. 

The  day  was  spent  in  desultory  firing,  and  as  evening  approached  a 
huge  bonfire  was  lighted,  consuming  all  our  stores  except  what  could  be 
carried  away,  and  the  few  buildings,  with  the  exception  of  Swan's  and 
Orrick's,  were  soon  in  ruins.  The  next  morning  there  was  no  enemy 
in  sight.  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obed't  servant, 

T.  O.  OSBOEN, 
Colonel  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  Commanding. 

General  Jno.  D.  Imboden,  in  his  article  on  "  Stonewall 
Jackson  in  the  She^iandoah,"  in  the  June  Century  Magazine, 

.1885,  says: 

Jackson's  only  movement  of  any  note  in  the  winter  of  1861-2  was  an 
expedition  at  the  end  of  December  to  Bath  and  Romney,  to  destroy  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  and  a  dam  or  two  near  Hancock,  on  the 
Chesapeake  and  Ohio  canal.  The  weather  set  in  to  be  very  inclement  about 
New  Year's,  with  snow,  rain,  sleet,  high  winds  and  intense  cold.  Many  in 
Jackson's  command  were  opposed  to  the  expedition,  and  as  it  resulted  in 
nothing  of  much  military  importance,  but  was  attended  with  great  suffer 
ing  on  the  part  of  his  troops,  nothing  but  the  confidence  he  had  won  by 
his  previous  services  saved  him  from  personal  ruin.  *  *  *  * 

In  that  terrible  winter's  march  and  exposure,  he  endured  all  that  any 
private  was  exposed  to.  One  morning,  near  Bath,  some  of  his  men  having 
crawled  out  from  under  their  snow-laden  blankets,  half  frozen,  were 
cursing  him  as  the  cause  of  their  sufferings.  He  lay  close  by  under  a  tree, 
also  snowed  under,  and  heard  all  this;  but  without  noticing  it,  presently 
crawled  out  too,  and  shaking  the  snow  off,  made  some  jocular  remark  to  the 
nearest  men,  who  had  no  idea  he  had  ridden  up  in  the  night  and  lain  down 
amongst  them.  The  incident  ran  through  the  little  army  in  a  few  hours, 
and  reconciled  his  followers  to  all  the  hardships  of  the  expedition,  and 
fully  re-established  his  popularity. 


CHAPTEE    V. 


The  Rebel  Force  and  its  Object— Bath  the  Key  to  the  Position— Captain 
Linton's  Reconnoissaiice — The  Enemy  Advance — Reinforcements — 
Retreat  from  Bath — The  Skirmish  at  Big  Capon — A  Rebel's  Account  of 
it — Account  by  Lieutenant  Savage — Affairs  at  Alpine — The  Assistant 
Surgeon's  Advance  and  Retreat — The  Passage  of  the  River — Muhlen- 
berg's  Good  Service — A  Conflagration — A  Flag  of  Truce,  and  How 
Received — Waiting  for  the  Bombardment — A  Reconnoissance  and 
What  was  Discovered — Some  Reflections — The  Hospital — Orders  to 
March. 


n~THE  force  under  Generals  Jackson  and  Loring  was  vari 
ously  estimated  to  be,  between  twelve  and  fifteen  thou 
sand  men  with  forty  pieces  of  artillery,  and  the  object  of  the 
movement  was  supposed  to  be,  in  the  first  place,  to  capture 
the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  then  cross  the  Potomac  at  Alpine, 
make  a  raid  through  the  border  of  Maryland  and  Pennsyl 
vania,  and  by  moving  rapidly  to  Cumberland,  get  in  the  rear 
of  our  forces  under  General  Kelly  at  Eomney,  Va.,  and  by 
severing  their  communications,  and  cutting  off  their  retreat, 
compel  the  surrender  of  the  entire  Federal  force  operating 
in  Maryland  and  Northern  Virginia. 

Bath  was  the  key  to  the  position  held  by  the  Thirty- 
Ninth,  and  was  naturally  a  very  strong  position  and  easily 
defended.  On  the  north  of  the  town  was  a  range  of  high 
hills,  or  they  might  be  classed  as  mountains,  that  extended 
for  many  miles  from  this  point  up  and  down  the  Potomac 
river.  At  this  point  for  some  miles  in  either  direction  was 
the  only  gap  through  which  a  military  force  could  reach 
the  river.  These  lofty  heights  commanded  all  the  roads 
leading  from  the  interior  into  Bath,  and  the  Gap  itself  was 
favorable  for  a  vigorous  defense. 

38 


CA PT.   LINTON'S  RECONNOISSANCE.  39 

We  will  now  go  back  a  little  so  that  we  may  arrive  at  a 
better  understanding  of  this  affair  at  Bath. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third  day  of  January,  1862,  Cap 
tain  Samuel  S.  Linton  of  Company  D  was  ordered  to  make 
a  reconnoissance  by  Lieutenant- Colonel  Mann,  commanding 
at  Bath,  and  after  he  had  proceeded  about  five  miles  in  the 
direction  of  Martinsburg  he  encountered  the  advance  of 
General  Jackson's  army.  A  brisk  skirmish  ensued,  in  which 
the  enemy  was  checked  with  considerable  loss,  and  Captain 
Linton  fell  back  on  Bath  with  a  loss  of  nine  men  only.  The 
morning  of  January  4th  Jackson  advanced  his  whole  force. 
The  three  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  which  had  been 
reinforced  on  the  previous  day  by  the  Eighty-Fourth 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  took  up  a  position  on  the  heights 
on  Warm  Spring  ridge,  the  artillery  of  Muhlenberg  being 
planted  in  a  commanding  position.  A  brisk  action  took 
place  lasting  for  the  period  of  an  hour,  and  notwithstanding 
the  overwhelming  number  of  the  enemy  under  the  command 
of  one  of  the  best  of  the  Confederate  generals,  the  position 
taken  by  our  force  was  so  strong  and  "sucker"  grit  so  far 
above  the  average  that  every  attempt  made  by  the  enemy  to 
carry  the  heights  was  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  During  the 
entire  day  the  rebels  were  held  in  check,  and  it  was  not 
until  the  shades  of  evening  were  gathering,  and  learning 
that  the  rebels  were  flanking  the  position  some  distance 
above,  that  our  weary  men  fell  back  in  good  order  to  Sir 
John's  Kun  and  crossed  the  river  into  Maryland.  The 
enemy's  force  then  divided,  one  portion  following  on  to  Sir 
John's  Run  and  Great  Cacapon,  the  other  taking  the  direc 
tion  to  Alpine  Station.  At  Sir  John's  Run  there  was  but 
little  fighting,  if  any.  as  our  men  had  already  retreated,  but 
at  Great  Cacapon  where  Captain  Slaughter  with  Company  G 
was  stationed,  a  number  of  sharp  skirmishes  took  place. 
Night  was  already  setting  in  when  Lieutenant  Rudd  of  Com 
pany  G,  in  order  to  allow  the  balance  of  the  command  to 


40 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


THE  SKIRMISH  AT   CACAPON.  41 

retreat,  called  for  twenty  volunteers,  and  proceeded  at  their 
head  to  take  position  in  a  narrow  defile  through  which 
the  enemy  must  pass,  and  here  he  awaited  the  advance  of 
Magruder's  brigade,  which  had  already  commenced  the 
descent  of  the  mountain,  planting  two  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  commenced  firing. 

Lieutenant  Eudd  awaited  patiently  until  the  advance 
was  within  twenty  rods  of  his  line,  when  he  gave  the  order 
to  fire,  which  had  the  effect  of  turning  the  rebel  advance  into 
a  complete  rout,  when  the  Lieutenant  and  his  men  retreated 
in  good  order,  safely  rejoining  their  comrades  who  had  fallen 
back  to  the  Cumberland  road  on  the  Maryland  shore. 

In  corroboration  of  what  has  been  said  in  relation  to 
this  affair  there  is  presented  here  the  statement  of  William 
C.  Dutcherage,  of  Dove  Park,  Arkansas,  who  was  a  member 
of  the  Third  Arkansas  Volunteer  Infantry  that  participated 
in  this  raid.  He  wrote  up  the  history  of  his  regiment  some 
years  ago  and  it  was  published  by  installments  in  the  Wash 
ington  World  before  it  became  merged  into  the  National 
Tribune.  He  says : 

After  some  brisk  skirmishing  with  the  Yanks  at  Bath,  in  which  a 
number  were  captured  and  we  had  compelled  them  to  retreat,  Stonewall 
Jackson  divided  up  his  command — he  going  in  person  with  two  brigades 
to  clean  out  the  Yanks  at  Sir  John's  Run  and  the  Yankee  force  opposite 
Hancock  on  the  Virginia  side,  while  the  brigade  that  I  belonged  to  was 
ordered  to  Big  Capon  to  burn  the  railroad  bridge.  We  left  Bath  about  six 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  reaching  the  Big  Capon  mountain  about  seven 
o'clock.  There  General  Magruder  ordered  the  regiments  to  form  in  line 
of  battle,  the  Third  Arkansas  taking  the  advance.  We  had  two  pieces  of 
light  artillery.  We  muffled  the  wheels,  so  the  Yanks  would  not  hear  us 
coming  down  the  mountain,  and  had  a  good  deal  of  fun  among  ourselves 
thinking  how  nicely  we  were  going  to  outwit  the  Yankees.  We  slipped 
down  the  old  Bath  pike  leading  to  Big  Capon,  and  could  see  dim  lights  once 
in  a  while  at  the  bridge.  We  slipped  along  carefully  until  within  about 
thirty  rods  [of  the  bridge,  it  is  presumed]  and  opened  fire  with  both  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  several  volleys  of  musketry.  The  Yanks  returned  the 
fire  so  quickly  and  sharply  that  we  retreated  out  of  range  of  their  guns, 
leaving  our  artillery  on  the  field.  The  next  morning  we  advanced  to  the 
Big  Capon,  but  not  a  Yank  in  sight.  Some  of  the  natives  at  Big  Capon 


42  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

hooted  at  us  for  being  such  cowards  as  to  let  about  one  hundred  Yankees 
get  away  with  such  a  big  crowd  as  you'uns. 

We  had  five  men  wounded  and  one  killed;  his  name  was  John  Kelly,  a 
New  Yorker.  We  buried  him  where  he  was  killed,  destroyed  the  bridge  and 
then  returned  to  Bath.* 

The  following  is  from  the  pen  of  Lieutenant  Amos 
Savage,  who  participated  in  the  skirmish  at  Great  Cacapon, 
and  will  give  some  needed  information.  He  says: 

About  twenty-five  men  of  Company  E,  from  Sir  John's  Run,  under 
Lieutenant  Whipple,  joined  us  just  before  the  fight.  These  men,  with 
about  as  many  more  of  Company  G,  were  stationed  at  the  railroad  trestle- 
work  bridge.  About  twenty-five  men  under  my  command  were  stationed 
at  the  ford,  six  or  eight  hundred  yards  above  the  bridge,  the  balance  of 
Company  G  being  stationed  along  the  Cacapon  between  the  two  points 
before  mentioned,  under  Captain  Slaughter. 

The  rebel  'force  attacking  us  was  the  Third  Arkansas  and  Thirty  - 
Seventh  Virginia,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  was  commanded  by 
Colonel  Rust,  of  the  Third  Arkansas.  (See  "Life  of  Stonewall  Jackson," 
page  267). 

The  attacks  at  the  bridge  and  ford  were  nearly  simultaneous  and 
were  made,  as  near  as  I  could  judge,  by  a  regiment  at  each  place.  Both 
were  repulsed,  and  the  affair  appears  to  have  been  regarded  as  quite  seri 
ous  by  them,  as  it  was  not  until  the  next  morning  when  reinforced  by 
General  Loring  that  they  ventured  to  renew  the  attack  on  the  bridge, 
which,  being  no  longer  held  by  our  men,  was  occupied  by  them  with  no 
other  annoyance  than  that  occasioned  by  the  fire  of  a  squad  of  men  who 
had  waded  the  Potomac  and  opened  a  scattering  fire  on  them  from  the 
north  bank  of  the  river. 

At  Alpine  Station  on  January  4th  all  was  excitement. 
We  knew  that  our  boys  were  engaged  with  the  enemy  at 
Bath,  but  as  to  what  extent  and  how  progressing  nothing  was 
known.  Colonel  Osborn  spent  most  of  his  time  at  the  tele 
graph  office,  sending  dispatches  to  Generals  Lander  and 
Kelly  for  reinforcements  and  receiving  orders. 

*The  above  information  was  given  by  J.  W.  Nelson,  of  Company  E, 
now  living  at  Renssellaer,  Ind.  He  states  that  he  became  so  interested  in 
Dutcherage's  account  of  this  affair  at  Bath  that  he  wrote  to  him  and  they 
corresponded  for  about  two  years.  He  states  that  Dutcherage  was  a  Re 
publican  and  was  postmaster  at  Dove  Park,  Ark.  The  last  letter  received 
from  him  stated  that  the  d — d  Bourbons  had  notified  him  to  leave. 


EXCITEMENT  AT  ALPINE  STATION.  43 

Dr.  Clark  returned  from  Bath  about  noon  for  instru 
ments  and  supplies  and  reported  that  at  the  time  he  left  all 
was  quiet  and  our  force  was  holding  its  own,  and  it  was 
supposed  that  the  enemy  were  trying  to  flank  the  position. 
He  started  again  for  Bath  at  two  o'clock  and  had  proceeded 
some  five  miles,  reaching  a  position  overlooking  the  .town, 
when  he  saw  that  it  was  useless  to  proceed  farther  as  the 
rebel  cavalry  were  swarming  over  the  hills  to  the  west  of  the 
town,  and  taking  position  on  the  road  leading  to  Alpine. 
Nothing  could  be  seen  of  our  troops  and  he  presumed  that 
they  had  retreated  in  the  direction  of  Sir  John's  Run.  He 
immediately  turned  and  made  his  way  back  to  Alpine,  nor 
hesitated  long  on  the  order  of  the  going,  reaching  Alpine 
soon  after  four  o'clock.  He  reported  to  the  Colonel  what  he 
had  seen,  and  acting  on  this  information  Osborn  ordered 
Major  Munn  with  two  companies,  A  and  F,  to  take  position 
in  ambush  commanding  the  defile  through  which  the  enemy 
must  pass  in  order  to  reach  Alpine.  In  the  meantime  there 
was  great  activity  and  more  confusion  at  the  various  quar 
ters.  There  were  urgent  calls  upon  the  quartermaster  for 
transportation.  He  had  but  two  wagons,  and  one  of  these 
was  over  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  river,  and  the  other 
w^as  already  loaded  with  quartermaster  and  commissary 
stores ;  but  room  was  finally  made  for  officers'  baggage  and 
it  was  started  over  the  river.  The  hospital  stores  had  to  be 
abandoned,  all  that  was  saved  being  a  few  books  and  instru 
ments.  Orders  to  hurry  up  intermingled  with  considerable 
profanity  at  the  seeming  stupidity  and  slowness  of  servants 
and  orderlies,  with  shouts  now  and  then  that  the  rebels  were 
coming — all  this  was  certainly  calculated  to  turn  one's  head, 
be  it  ever  so  well  balanced,  and  especially  when  was  added 
the  certainty  of  there  being  an  enemy  in  our  immediate  front, 
and  a  wide  river  in  which  ice  was  already  forming,  in  our 
rear.  The  evening  was  decidedly  chilly  and  the  duskiness 
of  night  fast  closing  about  us  as  the  rebel  cavalry  approached 


44  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

and  prepared  for  a  charge.  And  soon  they  came  down  the 
road  with  a  yell  and  a  clatter,  but  had  not  proceeded  more 
than  a  hundred  yards,  when  the  command  under  Major 
Munn  with  a  well-directed  volley  of  musketry  gave  them 
such  a  surprise  and  proved  so  effective  that  the  rebels 
concluded  not  to  advance  any  farther,  only  a  few  riderless 
horses  carrying  out  the  original  intention,  which  were 
captured.  The  enemy  had  been  so  effectively  checked  that 
time  was  allowed  for  the  four  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
and  the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  who  had 
retreated  to  this  point  from  Bath  via  Sir  John's  Bun,  to 
cross  the  river  to  Hancock.  Three-fourths  of  the  command 
were  compelled  to  wade,  the  water  reaching  to  the  shoulders 
of  the  tallest,  while  the  shorter  ones  were  almost  submerged. 
One  man  belonging  to  the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania 
Begiment  was  reported  drowned  in  making  the  passage. 

The  passage  of  the  river  at  a  temperature  considerably 
below  the  freezing  point  was  a  most  trying  ordeal,  and 
resulted  afterwards  in  much  sickness.  As  the  men  emerged 
from  the  water,  the  frosty  air  gave  their  clothing  a  most 
uncomfortable  stiffness. 

There  was  no  time  for  change  of  clothing,  for  the  com 
mand  was  immediately  marched  up  into  the  town  and  placed 
in*  alignment  along  the  principal  street,  running  parallel  with 
the  river,  to  afford  shelter  from  the  shot  and  shell  of  the 
enemy,  who  had  by  this  time  planted  several  pieces  of 
cannon  on  the  brow  of  the  bluff  opposite  Hancock  and  com 
menced  throwing  shot  and  shell.  No  fires  were  permitted, 
and  the  condition  of  some  of  the  men  was  most  pitiable. 
Muhlenburg  had  already  got  his  two  guns  in  position  and 
returned  the  fire  for  the  space  of  an  hour  or  more  with  so 
much  effect  that  the  rebel  guns  were  silenced  for  the  night. 
Fortunately  but  few  of  the  enemy's  shells  had  exploded  and 
but  little  damage  occasioned.  The  citizens  of  Hancock  were 
badly  frightened,  and  those  who  could,  were  busily  engaged 


THE  RETREAT  FROM  ALPINE  STATION. 


45 


46  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

in  removal.  Thus  passed  the  night.  Shelter  and  oppor 
tunity  was  given  the  men  as  far  as  possible  to  change  or  dry 
their  clothing  and  prepare  coffee.  Eeinforcements  were 
constantly  arriving  through  the  night,  and  early  the  follow 
ing  day  General  Williams  with  a  brigade  arrived;  also 
General  Lander,  who  assumed  command.  We  were  astir 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  fifth  of  January  and  patiently 
awaited  developments.  The  enemy  could  be  plainly  seen 
over  at  Alpine  and  on  the  bluffs,  but  all  was  peaceful. 

At  ten  o'clock  A.  M.  a  white  flag  was  raised  and  seen 
advancing  to  the  border  of  the  river  on  the  opposite  side, 
which  indicated  that  the  enemy  wished  to  communicate,  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  O.  L.  Mann,  who  had  been  appointed 
provost-marshal  that  morning,  with  a  small  detachment  in 
command  of  Sergeant  Myers  was  ordered  to  cross  the  river 
to  receive  it.  He  soon  returned  bringing  Colonel  Turner 
Ashby,  of  some  cavalry  fame  at  that  time,  and  proceeded 
direct  to  General  Lander's  headquarters,  Ashby  being  blind 
folded.  On  the  way  over  he  enquired  of  the  boys,  "What 
regiment  do  you  belong  to?  "  he  was  answered  "The  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois!"  "My  God!"  said  he,  "Where  in  h—  is 
not  the  Thirty-Ninth!  they  seem  to  be  ubiquitous."  He 
doubtless  was  thinking  of  the  many  different  places  he  had 
encountered  the  Thirty-Ninth  on  the  previous  day. 

General  Lander  received  Colonel  Ashby  in  a  room  in 
which  was  the  telegraph  office,  and  thinking  that  Ashby 
might  understand  telegraphy  removed  to  another  room  where 
he  read  the  communication  from  General  Jackson.  In  this 
message  Jackson  demanded  the  surrender  of  the  Union 
forces,  saying  that  he  had  fifteen  thousand  men  and  it  was 
his  intention  to  cross  the  river,  and  that  if  he  was  opposed 
that  he  should  bombard  the  town.  It  also  stated  that  two 
hours'  time  would  be  given  non-combatants  to  leave  the  place, 
at  the  termination  of  which  he  would  open  fire.  General 
Lander  read  it  carefully  through  and  his  reply  was  at  once 


THE  FLAG    OF   TRUCE.  47 

emphatic,  forcible  and  characteristic.  Turning  to  Ashby  he 
said:  "Colonel  Ashby,  give  my  compliments  to  General 
Jackson  and  tell  him  to  bombard  and  be  d — cl^I  If  lie  opens 
his  batteries  on  this  town  he  will  injure  more  of  his  friends 
than  he  will  of  the  enemy,  for  this  is  a  d — d  secesh  place, 
anyhow."  Lieutenant- Colonel  Mann,  thinking  the  interview 
terminated,  commenced  to  replace  the  bandage  over  Ashby's 
eyes  prior  to  leading  him  forth,  when  General  Lander,  hav 
ing  reflected  somewhat  on  his  answer,  said :  "Hold 011!  Take 
a  seat,  Colonel  Ashby.  General  Jackson  has  addressed  me 
in  a  polite  and  soldierly  manner  and  it  demands  a  like  reply. 
I  take  back  all  that  I  have  said  and  will  write  what  I  have  to 
communicate."  This  was  done,  and  as  Lander  placed  the 
missive  in  his  hand,  he  said:  "General  Jackson  and  yourself, 
Colonel  Ashby,  are  gentlemen  and  brave  men,  without  a 
question,  but  you  have  started  out  in  a  God  d — d  bad  cause" ! 
and  shaking  hands  with  him,  Ashby  departed.  He  was 
returned  safely  to  his  lines,  and  afterwards,  without  making 
much  preparation,  we  patiently  awaited  events.  The  citizens 
were  busily  engaged,  meanwhile,  in  hustling  out  of  town, 
bringing  into  service  all  sorts  of  vehicles  and  conveyances. 
Our  forces  were  so  placed  as  to  be  concealed  from  view,  and 
we  had  a  very  respectable  one,  sufficient  at  all  events  to  pre 
vent  the  enemy  crossing  the  river  at  this  place.  At  the 
expiration  of  the  two  hours  the  garrison  flag  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  was  run  up  to  the  top  of  the  old  liberty  pole  standing 
in  town  and  we  anxiously  waited  for  the  opening  of  the 
promised  bombardment.  At  last  two  shots  were  fired  over, 
one  of  which,  a  small  six-pounder  solid  shot,  was  picked  up 
and  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Captain  Hiram  Phillips,  of 
Bloomington,  111.  These  shots  did  no  damage,  and  only 
served  as  an  invitation  for  our  batteries  to  respond,  which 
they  did  in  a  brisk  manner  and  kept  it  up  for  the  space  of 
an  hour.  The  enemy  did  not  return  the  fire,  but  we  could 
see  their  troops  in  motion  and  it  was  evident  that  they  were 


48  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

withdrawing  from  Alpine.  But  at  nightfall  it  was  appar 
ent  that  the  enemy  was  busy  in  sacking  Alpine,  as  fires 
were  lighted  ^11  many  places  and  soon  all  the  houses  save  the 
Swan  and  Orrick  property  were  in  conflagration,  lighting  up 
the  country  surrounding  for  miles. 

The  following  day  a  reconnoissance  was  made  over  the 
river  by  some  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  who  found  matters  and 
things  at  the  station  pretty  badly  demoralized.  The  Swan 
family  had  removed,  bag  and  baggage,  and  no  one  was 
found  to  give  us  any  information.  The  Swan  house,  as 
well  as  the  Orrick,  was  found  to  have  received  the  many 
compliments  in  shape  of  shot  and  shell  that  we  had  sent 
over,  and  both  were  badly  damaged.  The  railway  had  been 
torn  up  and  the  rails  twisted  and  bent  with  fire,  and  all  the 
railway  property  destroyed.  Where  our  medical  dispensary 
had  stood  there  was  nothing  but  a  mound  of  ashes.  All  was 
ruin  and  desolation. 

Proceeding  up  along  the  road  to  Bath  we  found  a  num 
ber  of  newly-made  graves,  and  several  of  them  were  occu 
pied  by  soldiers  who  had  perished  from  cold,  for  the  weather 
had  been  exceedingly  severe  and  the  men  in  Jackson's  com 
mand  from  Georgia,  Alabama  and  Arkansas  had  suffered 
extremely. 

Many  notes  addressed  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  were  found. 
Some  were  couched  in  terms  of  bitterness  and  hostility, 
some  complimentary  and  conciliatory,  but  all  exhibiting 
evident  respect  for  the  pluck  and  fighting  qualities  of  West 
ern  men. 

Here  is  a  sample  copy  of  one  that  was  addressed 

"  TO  THE  BOYS  OVER  THE  WAY." 

"We  are  about  to  leave  you,  and  our  comfortable  quarters  to  your 
tender  mercies.  If  you  should  happen  to  pick  up  anything  lying  around 
here,  I  expect  that  you  will  want  to  keep  it  as  a  slight  token  of  our  regard, 
or  send  it  home.  How  much  better  it  would  be  for  the  '  liberty  boys '  if 
they  would  go  home  themselves  and  leave  us  poor  rebels  to  enjoy  freedom 
in  their  own  way.  COMPANY  G,  IST  REG'T  GEORGIA  VOL'S. 


A    DIPLOMATIC  SOLDIER.  49 

"  P.  S.  We  are  poor  rebels  and  cannot  offer  a  more  valuable  keep 
sake,  but  hope  you  will  prize  it  from  the  spirit  in  which  it  is  given. 

"  COL.  J.  W.  RAMSEY,  1st  Georgia  Vol's. 

"P.  S.  Go  home,  boys!  go  home!!  We  owe  you  no  ill  will  further 
than  results  from  your  efforts  to  conquer  the  Freemen  of  the  South.  We 
will  go  home  gladly  when  we  have  effectually  defended  our  borders. 

"  COMPANY  G." 

Jackson's  army  that  had  started  out  on  this  raid  from 
Winchester  animated,  no  doubt,  with  high  hopes  of  easily 
gobbling  up  an  Illinois  regiment,  and  cheered  by  the  pros 
pect  of  foraging  among  the  quiet  hills  and  valleys  of  "My 
Maryland"  and  the  neighboring  border  of  prosperous  Penn 
sylvania,  had  been  most  grievously  disappointed.  He  had 
gained  absolutely  nothing;  but  had  lost  seriously  by  battle 
and  exposures,  and  certainly  he  had  not  won  any  renown,  but 
instead  had  experienced  the  bitter  mortification  of  having 
been  held  at  bay  with  his  entire  army  of  fifteen  thousand  men 
for  nearly  a  day  at  Bath,  and  for  hours  at  different  points,  by 
mere  detachments  from  an  Illinois  regiment,  who  by  delay 
ing  his  progress  gave  ample  time  for  the  Federal  forces  to 
concentrate  their  strength  and  turn  him  back  empty-handed 
from  the  very  threshold  of  Maryland  and  victory.  This 
affair  might  have  had  a  more  sorrowful  and  tragic  ending 
had  Jackson  fully  understood  the  number  of  our  troops  and 
their  disposition. 

On  January  3d  his  cavalry  had  captured  several  of  our 
men,  one  of  whom  was  taken  before  Jackson  who  questioned 
him  closely  about  the  number  of  the  Union  forces  in  his  front. 
This  man  proved  to  be  an  able  diplomat  and  was  equal 
to  the  occasion.  In  reply  to  the  question  as  to  the  number 
of  troops,  he  stated  (and  it  must  have  been  believed)  that 
we  had  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  river  between  six  and 
seven  thousand  men,  and  that  before  leaving  camp  that 
morning  it  was  reported  that  General  Banks'  army  had 
reached  Williamsport  on  its  way  to  reinforce  Lander.  It  was 
possible,  and  could  have  been  accomplished  with  comparative 


50 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


ease,  for  Jackson  with  his  large  force  to  have  captured  us  all 
by  making  a  vigorous  push  on  the  third  of  January,  but  the 
cautious  feeling  of  his  way  proved  our  salvation. 

We  recrossed  the  river,  after  having  accomplished  our 
mission,  and   went   into    quarters  at  the  Old  Tannery,  the 


STONEWALL  JACKSON.     (Taken  from  Life.) 

most  of  our  tents  and  garrison  equipage  having  been  lost  for 
the  want  of  transportation. 

A  hospital  had  been  established  by  Surgeon  Blake  up 
in  Pennsylvania,  near  the  border,  having  found  a  suitable 
building  that  had  served  the  purpose  of  a  church  or  school 
house.  The  Doctor  had  located  there  at  the  time  of  the 
threatened  bombardment  of  Hancock  by  Jackson,  and  it  was 


GEN.  MANN'S  ACCOUNT  OF  SKIRMISH  NEAR  BATH.          51 

not  thought  best  to  make  any  change  as  our  stay  at  Hancock 
was  very  uncertain. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  was  pursuing  a  sort  of  independent 
existence,  it  not  having  been  brigaded  as  yet.  The  brigade 
that  was  to  have  been  organized  by  Ward  H.  Lamon  and  to 
which  it  was  -to  have  been  assigned  was  never  more  heard 
of  after  reaching  Williamsport,  Md, 

We  remained  at  Hancock  until  the  evening  of  January 
llth,  1862,  when  orders  were  received  to  march  to  Cumber 
land,  Md.  The  reason  for  this  move  was  said  to  be  that 
Jackson  was  after  the  military  supplies  stored  at  Eomney, 
Va.,  and  General  Kelly  had  ordered  the  Thirty -Ninth, 
the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania,  and  the  One-hundred-and- 
Tenth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  to  make  a  forced  march  to 
the  assistance  of  the  force  already  there  and  that  were  to  be 
concentrated  at  New  Creek,  Ya. 

In  concluding  this  chapter  I  give  room  to  General  O.  L. 
Mann's  version  of  the  skirmish  and  retreat  from  Bath,  as 
follows : 

In  the  afternoon  of  January  3rd,  1862,  Major  Mann,  who  was 
stationed  at  Bath  in  command  of  three  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth, 
received  a  call  from  a  very  excited  negro  who  urged  him  '  In  de  name  of 
de  Lawd '  to  get  out  of  the  town  at  once.  The  African  had  traveled  about 
ten  miles  on  the  road  from  Winchester  and  was  overflowing  with  start 
ling  news.  He  said  that  General  Jackson  with  his  entire  army  was  mov 
ing  on  Bath,  and  could  not  be  more  than  five  miles  away.  A  scouting 
party  had  been  out  about  seven  miles  on  that  road  in  the  morning  and  had 
returned  without  having  seen  the  enemy.  Major  Mann  took  Captain 
Linton  and  sixty  men.  and  after  marching  about  four  miles  out  met  the 
advance  of  Jackson's  army.  Captain  Linton  deployed  his  men  to  the  right 
of  the  road  and  Major  Mann  and  Lieutenant  Belcher  of  Company  K,  who 
were  mounted,  and  two  cavalry  couriers  kept  the  road.  In  a  short  time  the 
men  were  briskly  engaged  by  rebel  cavalry  and  infantry.  Seeing  that 
they  were  largely  outnumbered,  Captain  Linton  retreated  after  a  brisk 
skirmish  and  the  loss  of  nine  men  taken  prisopers. 

Major  Mann  was  cut  off  from  his  road  of  retreat  and  was  nearly  made 
a  prisoner  by  Ashby's  cavalry,  but  the  good  running  and  jumping  qualities 
of  his  young  stallion  helped  him  to  gain  shelter  in  the  thick  timber  and 
finally  to  reach  camp,  bringing  with  him  Lankinaw  of  Company  D,  who 


52  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

had  been  shot  in  the  leg.  (He  was  the  first  man  to  be  wounded  by  the 
enemy,  in  the  regiment.) 

Captain  Woodruff  of  Company  K,  who  had  heard  the  firing  from  his 
position  at  Bath,  had  so  disposed  of  his  troops  as  to  make  the  best  defense 
possible.  The  rebels,  however,  did  ijot  follow  up  the  retreat  that  night. 

It  is  now  known  that  one  of  the  men  who  had  been  captured  (his 
name  is  forgotten)  proved  himself  a  most  accomplished  liar,  for  when 
taken  before  General  Jackson,  the  interview  is  believed  to  have  resulted 
much  to  our  advantage.  He  assured  the  rebel  chieftain  that  General 
Kelly  had  not  over  five  thousand  men  at  Bath,  but  that  he  understood  before 
leaving  camp  that  General  Banks  was  crossing  his  entire  army  at  Sir 
John's  Run  and  at  Hancock,  and  was  expected  at  Bath  that  evening.  The 
man  knew  that  he  was  dealing  out  large  lumps  of  "  taffy  "  to  the  General, 
but  that  it  was  also  a  "  military  necessity."  Jackson  must  have  given  some 
credence  to  these  "  whoppers,"  for  he  ordered  a  halt,  and  sending  for  his 
subordinates  ordered  them  to  camp  in  line  of  battle  and  be  ready  for 
action  at  any  moment.  Before  midnight  of  the  3d,  two  Pennsylvania 
regiments  (the  Eighty-Fourth  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Tenth)  arrived. 
Colonel  Murray,  commanding  the  Eighty-Fourth,  by  virtue  of  rank  assumed 
the  command,  and  on  being  advised  of  the  state  of  affairs  and  the  location 
of  the  enemy,  deployed  his  troops  to  the  north  and  east  of  the  town,  and  an 
anxious  night  was  passed  mid  rain,  sleet  and  snow.  The  following  day  was 
devoted  to  skirmishing  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  enemy,  being 
doubtless  convinced  that  the  strength  of  the  Union  forces  had  been  mag 
nificently  estimated  by  their  prisoner,  determined  to  surround  our  force  if 
possible.  The  position  was  naturally  a  strong  one,  and  the  two  pieces  of 
artillery  operated  by  Lieutenant  Muhlenberg  did  excellent  service  all 
through  the  day  in  keeping  the  rebels  in  check.  General  Kelly,  at  Cum 
berland,  had  advised  Colonel  Murray  early  in  the  day  that  the  Thirteenth 
Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry  would  reach  us  from  that  place  by  rail,  bringing 
a  fresh  supply  of  ammunition,  of  which  Major  Mann's  command  was 
getting  short.  At  sundown,  no  help  reaching  us,  and  the  rebels  developing 
great  strength,  Colonel  Murray  ordered  a  retreat  to  Sir  John's  Run,  on  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  distant  about  two  miles,  and  where  it  was 
feasible  to  ford  the  Potomac  river  to  the  Maryland  side.  As  they  neared 
the  station,  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Robert  S.  Foster,  was  met.  A  short  council  was  held  which  resulted 
in  an  order  to  "  about  face  "  and  fight.  After  the  first  part  of  this  order 
had  been  executed,  Major  Mann  asked  Colonel  Foster  for  ammunition  and 
was  surprised  to  learn  that  that  officer  had  but  two  rounds  to  his  men,  and 
had  been  told  that  he  would  get  ammunition  at  Bath.  This  intelligence 
resulted  in  another  "  'bout  face,"  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  had  but  two  rounds 
left,  and  the  Pennsylvania  regiments  being  armed  with  guns  of  a  different 
calibre  their  supply  was  of  no  use.  Colonel  Foster  at  once  ordered  his 
men  aboard  the  cars  and  returned  to  Cumberland,  and  the  detachments  of 


GEN.  MANN'S  ACCOUNT   OF  SKIRMISH  NEAR   BATH.        53 

the  Thirty -Ninth  and  the  artillery  forded  the  river.  The  two  Pennsylvania 
regiments  retreated  down  the  railroad  to  Alpine  Station,  only  to  ford 
the  river  later  oh.  After  fording  the  Potomac,  a  part  of  Captain  Wood 
ruff's  company  (K)  volunteered  to  remain  there  to  protect  the  bridge  and 
station.  This  they  did  most  effectually,  the  enemy  not  being  able  to  accom 
plish  this  vandalism  under  the  fire  of  Company  K's  sharpshooters.  The 
other  companies  proceeded  to  Hancock. 


CHAPTEK  VI. 


March  to  Cumberland — How  Quartered — New  Clothing — Ordered  to  New 
Creek,  Va.— Living  Aboard  the  Cars— The  Sixty-Second  and  Sixty- 
Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers — Sickness— Expedition  to  Romney,  Va. — 
Choice  of  Positions — Move  to  Patterson's  Creek — Washington's  Birth 
day;  How  Celebrated — Resolutions — Quinine  and  Whisky — General 
Lander's  Order — His  Death — Reconstructing  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad — Visit  Bath,  Va. — Sad  Reports — Foraging  Expedition— A 
Practical  Joke — Leave  the  Cars — March  to  Martinsburg — Harvey's 
Heroism — Meet  General  Shields — March  to  Winchester — Reconnois- 
sance  in  force—Major  Munn's  Horse  is  Wanted — Incidents. 


TTTE  moved  out  of  Hancock  at  six  o'clock  P.M.  in  advance  of 
the  two  Pennsylvania  regiments.  The  night  was  cold, 
with  some  considerable  snow  on  the  ground.  The  distance  to 
Cumberland  was  forty  miles,  our  route  lying  over  the  moun 
tains.  The  experience  of  the  past  two  weeks  had  been  amply 
sufficient  to  warrant  us  in  drawing  the  conclusion  that  the 
funny  and  agreeable  part  of  our  soldier  life  had  gone  glim 
mering  down  the  vista  of  time,  and  we  saw  little  before  us 
but  hardship  and  peril.  The  boys  stepped  out  gaily  and 
briskly,  singing,  shouting  and  making  merry  for  the  first  few 
miles,  but  the  grade  in  the  ascent  of  the  first  mountain  soon 
subdued  them  into  paying  strict  attention  to  the  business  in 
hand. 

We  had  left  behind  all  our  sick  and  tender-footed  with 
Surgeon  Blake,  who  had  been  assigned  to  the  charge  of  the 
hospital  by  Dr.  Antisel,  the  chief  medical  officer  of  Williams' 
brigade  which  remained  at  Hancock. 

Every  few  miles  a  halt  was  ordered  for  rest,  but  many 
of  the  men,  instead  of  resting,  took  advantage  of  the  occa 
sion  to  forage  for  something  to  eat,  and  opportunities  were 


ORDERED    TO   NEW   CREEK,   VA.  55 

not  wanting,  as  the  country  was  well  settled  by  thrifty 
farmers  whose  larders  must  have  suffered  severely,  judging 
from  the  amount  of  provender  of  all  varieties  and  descriptions 
that  found  its  way  back  and  was  distributed  along  the  line. 
We  reached  Cumberland  at  four  P.M.  January  12th,  eight 
hours  in  advance  of  the  Pennsylvania  regiments  which  left 
Hancock  at  the  same  hour  with  ourselves. 

Here  the  men  were  distributed  around  in  churches  and 
other  places,  until  other  arrangements  could  be  made;  some 
of  the  officers,  however,  took  rooms  at  the  St.  Nicholas  Hotel. 
Eussell's  cavalry  company  and  Muhlenberg  with  his  artillery 
had  preceded  as,  and  we  found  these  officers  already  estab 
lished  and  ready  to  show  their  friends  about  the  city.  After 
remaining  at  this  point  for  the  period  of  five  days,  during 
which  time  new  clothing  was  issued  to  the  men,  and  many 
of  our  losses  made  good,  we,  on  the  17th  of  January,  were 
put  on  board  a  train  of  box  and  platform  cars  and  started  for 
New  Creek,  Va.,  after  having  been  placed  in  the  Second 
Brigade '  of  General  Eosencrans'  Division,  commanded  by 
Colonel  Dunning,  of  an  Ohio  regiment,  acting  Brigadier- 
General. 

New  Creek  was  a  small  station  on  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railroad,  some  seventeen  miles  distant  from  Cumber 
land.  It  was  situated  in  a  mountainous  region  and  made  up 
of  about  a  dozen  buildings,  including  the  depot.  When  we 
reached  there  the  whole  place  was  a  sea  of  mud,  and  we 
were  given  the  privilege  of  either  remaining  and  making  our 
quarters  on  board  the  train  of  cars  or  making  encampment 
in  the  open  field.  Owing  to  the  condition  of  the  ground  it 
was  decided  to  remain  on  the  cars,  and  the  boys  went  to 
work  transforming  them  into  "sleepers"  and  dining  cars  a  la 
Pullman,  as  fast  as  their  limited  resources  would  permit. 
The  officers  were  privileged  to  lodge  and  find  meals  wherever 
they  could.  Only  one  tent  was  erected,  and  that  served  for 
the  Adjutant's  office.  We  found  a  regiment  of  cavalry  here 


56  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

which  had  been  guarding  the  long  trestle  railroad  bridge  at 
this  point,  and  as  frequent  attempts  to  burn  this  structure 
had  been  made  it  was  ordered  that,  instead  of  proceeding  to 
Romney,  the  regiment  should  remain  here. 

Soon  after  arriving  at  New  Creek  we  were  joined  by  the 
Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  Colonel  Pond,  and  the  Sixty- 
Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  A.  C. 
Voris,  and  from  whom  we  were  never  afterwards  separated 
until  they  were  mustered  out  of  the  service.  The  officers  and 
men  of  both  of  these  commands  were  fully  up  to  the  stand 
ard  and  our  ideal  of  what  should  constitute  good  soldiers 
and  "6o7i  camaraderie"  The  record  they  made  in  after 
years  and  left  as  an  inheritance  to  coming  generations  has 
more  than  justified  these  few  words  of  feeble  praise. 

Bain  fell  almost  continuously  during  the  first  week  of 
our  sojourn  here,  giving  encouragment  to  those  feelings  of 
"  nostalgia  "  and  general  discomfort  that,  up  to  this  time,  we 
had  been  comparatively  free  from.  Sickness  came  as  a  flood- 
tide  upon  us,  due  principally  to  our  surroundings,  mode  of 
life,  and  confinement  in  those  horrid  box  cars,  and  it  became 
necessary  to  take  a  building  and  establish  a  provisional  hos 
pital,  which  was  soon  repletely  filled  with  cases  of  pneu 
monia,  malarial  and  typhoid  fevers.  Dr.  Clark,  the  assistant 
surgeon,  was  the  only  medical  officer  with  the  regiment,  the 
Surgeon  and  the  hospital  steward,  Anthony  DeNormandie, 
having  remained  at  Hancock. 

The  experiences  of  both  officers  and  men  at  New  Creek, 
Va.,  will  be  remembered  as  among  the  saddest  and  most 
sorrowful  of  any  that  were  encountered  in  their  history  as 
soldiers.  On  or  about  January  25th  a  portion  of  the  regi 
ment  participated  in  a  reconnoissance  in  the  direction  of 
Eomney  and  came  in  contact  with  a  small  body  of  rebel 
cavalry.  A  short  but  brisk  skirmish  ensued  which  resulted 
in  no  particular  advantage  to  either  side.  It  was  undertaken 
more  for  the  purpose  of  diverting  the  minds  of  the  men  and 


MOVE   TO  PATTERSON'S   CREEK.  57 

giving  them  needed  exercise,  and  at  the  same  time  to  let  the 
Johnnies  know  that  the  Thirty-Ninth  was  "  still  on  deck," 
than  aught  else.  When  practicable  as  well  as  necessary  the 
old  camel-back  locomotive  that  was  attached  to  the  train 
and  always  ready  for  duty  in  case  of  need,  would  take  some 
of  us  into  Cumberland  for  supplies  or  carry  sick  to  general 
hospital. 

February  7th  a  most  welcome  order  came  to  proceed  to 
Patterson's  Creek,  thus  retracing  our  steps  back  through 
Cumberland  in  the  direction  of  Martinsburg.  We  were 
again  to  be  assigned  to  the  command  of  General  F.  W. 
Lander.  Colonel  Osborn  had  been  offered,  however,  his 
choice  of  three  different  positions :  either  to  remain  where  we 
then  were  and  construct  barracks,  or  go  to  Cumberland  in 
command  of  that  post,  or  report  to  General  Lander  at  Pat 
terson's  Creek,  Ya.,  and  take  the  lead  on  to  Winchester  and 
reconstruct  the  railway  and  bridges  of  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railway  as  we  went  along.  Upon  consultation  with  his 
officers  it  was  decided  to  accept  the  latter  proposition  as 
offering  the  best  means  to  get  into  more  active  service. 
Before  we  could  leave  it  became  necessary  to  stop  and  repair 
the  bridge  at  New  Creek,  which  the  day  previous  had  become 
much  warped  and  twisted  by  reason  of  a  freshet  in  that 
stream.  This  occupied  the  most  part  of  two  days,  and  when 
at  last  we  did  pass  over  it  was  very  crooked  and  far  from  safe. 

The  regiment  reached  Patterson's  Creek,  thirty-four 
miles  distant,  safely,  February  llth,  1862,  still  occupying 
the  old  and  dilapidated  freight  and  cattle  cars.  On  reaching 
this  place  the  regiment  was  placed  in  the  First  Brigade  of 
Lander's  Division.  A  large  brick  structure  near  the  station 
was  occupied  as  headquarters  and  a  building  taken  for  hos 
pital. 

On  Washington's  birthday,  the  twenty-second  of  Febru 
ary,  after  dress  parade,  the  regiment  was  formed  in  "hollow 
square"  that  they  might  more  easily  hear  the  reading  of 


58  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

some  resolutions  that  had  been  drawn  up  expressive  of  our 
feelings  in  relation  to  the  great  victory  at  Fort  Donelson  and 
the  bravery  of  our  "Western  boys." 

RESOLUTIONS. 

WHBBEAS:  Intelligence  has  been  received  announcing  in  detail  the 
victories  lately  gained  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  in  which  our  fellow 
soldiers  of  Illinois  took  such  a  conspicuous  part,  showing  a  courage  unsur 
passed  by  that  of  the  heroes  of  modern  or  ancient  times,  and  a  love  for 
the  Union  stronger  than  the  love  of  life;  therefore, 

Resolved:  That  we,  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Regi 
ment  of  Illinois  Volunteers,  having  assembled  to  celebrate  the  birthday  of 
the  Father  of  our  country,  do  seize  upon  this  the  most  appropriate  occa 
sion  to  express  to  them  our  sincere  and  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  noble  and 
heroic  conduct  which  they  have  everywhere  exhibited  on  the  field  of  battle; 
and  that  we  most  heartily  congratulate  them  upon  their  glorious  achieve 
ments. 

Resolved:  That  we,  as  soldiers  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  will  never  lose  sight  of  the  heroic  and  patriotic  ex 
amples  placed  before  us  by  our  fellow  soldiers  of  the  West;  but  by  our 
conduct  whenever  and  wherever  we  meet  the  enemy  we  will  endeavor  to 
emulate  them,  and  thus  sweep  rebellion  before  us,  until  peace  is  restored 
to  this  fair  land,  and  the  Stars  and  Stripes  again  wave  over  every  city, 
village  and  hamlet  of  the  thirty-four  states  of  America. 

Resolved:  That  while  we  rejoice  over  the  late  victories  of  our  troops 
we  shed  tears  of  sympathy  for  the  fathers,  mothers,  wives,  sisters,  brothers, 
daughters  and  sons  of  those  who  have  so  nobly  fallen  in  the  defense  of  our 
country;  and  that  our  prayer  shall  ever  be,  God  protect  and  comfort  them 
in  their  affliction,  and  give  them  the  happy  assurance  that  our  civil  wars 
will  soon  cease  forever,  and  that  no  more  of  their  friends  shall  fall  in 
unnatural  and  fraternal  strife. 

Resolved:  That  the  inauguration  of  that  traitor  Jefferson  Davis  as 
president  of  the  so-called  Southern  Confederacy  upon  this,  the  birthday  of 
the  immortal  Washington,  is  an  insult  of  the  deepest  dye  to  the  memory 
of  the  "  Father  of  Our  Country  "  and  to  every  lover  of  free  institutions, 
and  that  we  pledge  ourselves  to  avenge  the  insult  whenever  and  wherever  we 
meet  him  or  his  emissaries. 

The  resolutions  were  adopted  amid  vociferous  cheering 
and  were  followed  by  some  speech-making,  after  which  the 
men  were  dismissed  and  we  returned  to  our  quarters. 

Malaria  was  abundant,  and  it  became  necessary  to  give 
the  men  daily  rations  of  quinine  and.  whisky.  In  all  our 


DEATH   OF  GEN.  LANDER.  59 

after-experience  we  never  encountered  so  much  sickness  as 
existed  among  the  men  of  the  regiment  at  this  time.  We 
were  detained  here  until  March  1st,  by  reason  of  repairs 
necessary  to  be  made  to  the  railroad  and  especially  the  con 
struction  of  a  bridge  over  the  creek,  before  we  could  advance 
with  the  train.  The  order  to  move  was  received  after  mid 
night,  and  was  accompanied  by  the  following  characteristic 
letter  from  General  Lander: 

HEADQUAKTEBS,  1  A.M.,  March  1,  1862. 

Colonel  Osborn:  I  have  intrusted  you  with  a  highly  important  service 
— that  of  opening  the  railroad  to  Martinsburg.  If  threatened  by  the 
enemy,  call  on  Colonel  Pond,  or  on  General  Williams  at  Hancock;  the  latter 
may  be  on  the  road  to  Williamsport.  You  will  provide  for  my  tents,  camp 
equipage,  horses  and  forage  for  them  at  Cherry  Run  turnout;  but  it  will 
be  time  enough  to  look  out  for  this  when  they  arrive. 

If  the  rebels  come  on  you  in  force,  fight  under  any  circumstances, 
and  if  you  are  taken  prisoner  I  will  release  you  to-morrow  morning.  I 
start  on  a  forced  march  across  the  country  to  cut  them  off  from  Winches 
ter.  I  commend  to  your  favorable  notice  Mr.  Quincy,  who  goes  down  in 
charge  of  the  repairs  to  the  road.  Afford  him  and  the  telegraph  company 
all  the  aid  they  may  require. 

F.  W.  LANDEB,  Brigadier-General. 

General  Lander's  headquarters  were  then  located  at 
Paw  Paw,  Ya.,  and  this  letter  is  perhaps  one  of  the  last  he 
ever  penned,  for  on  March  3d,  while  at  Alpine  Station, 
intelligence  reached  us  of  his  sudden  death.  We  were  pain 
fully  surprised  and  affected,  as  we  lost  in  him  a  valued 
friend  and  good  counsellor.  It  was  presumed  that  his  death 
was  caused  bv  an  apoplectic  seizure.  He  had  retired  011  the 
night  preceding  in  usual  health  and  was  found  dead  by  his 
servant  in  the  morning.  The  remains  were  sent  to  Washing 
ton,  D.C.,  under  proper  escort. 

We  left  Patterson's  Creek  on  March  1st  on  board  the 
same  old  train  of  cars,  our  duty  being  to  protect  the  working- 
men  while  making  repairs  to  the  road.  The  first  stop  for 
any  length  of  time  was  made  at  Sir  John's  Kun  in  the  early 
morning  of  March  2d.  Taking  advantage  of  this  halt, 


60  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Lieutenant- Colonel  Mann  and  Dr.  Clark  got  permission  to 
go  over  to  Bath,  and  getting  their  horses  from  the  car  started. 

On  arriving  at  Bath  a  great  many  changes  were  notice 
able  in  the  appearance  of  things  since  the  4th  of  January, 
the  date  of  the  advent  of  the  rebels.  Old  Colonel  Strother 
had  died,  his  death  being  hastened  by  the  outrages  commit 
ted  by  Jackson's  troops  in  consequence  of  the  outspoken 
sympathies  of  his  family  for  the  Union  cause.  His  home 
had  been  pillaged  from  cellar  to  garret  and  much  valuable 
property  destroyed. 

Judge  Pendleton  and  family  were  still  there  and  gave 
them  hearty  welcome,  together  with  the  sad  tale  of  the 
wholesale  destruction  of  the  effects  of  the  Union  sympathi 
zers  in  the  town.  Bath  was  neutral  ground  at  this  time,  and 
they  did  not  care  to  tarry  long,  especially  after  learning  that 
the  rebel  cavalry  frequently  made  a  dash  into  the  town ;  but 
regarding  the  importunities  of  their  friends  consented  to 
remain  during  the  night  and  were  furnished  with  a  room 
in  a  remote  part  of  the  big  house  by  Mr.  Kaiidolph,  a  son-in- 
law  of  Strother.  In  the  early  morning  they  returned  safely 
via  Alpine  Station,  where  the  regiment  had  proceeded. 

On  leaving  Alpine  the  train  passed  on  to  a  point  called 
Back  Creek  where  a  bridge  needed  repair,  and  here  it  was 
obliged  to  remain  for  some  time. 

While  patiently  awaiting  a  forward  movement  it  was 
apparent  that  the  larder  of  the  field  and  staff  was  about 
depleted,  and  something  must  be  done  in  the  matter  of  com 
pensation,  otherwise  known  as  foraging.  We  made  up  a 
party  of  four  persons,  exclusive  of  the  guide  who  was  to 
conduct  us  to  the  plantation  of  a  noted  secessionist  six  miles 
distant.  We  started  at  sun-down,  well  mounted  and  armed 
"  cap-a-pie"  for  it  was  rather  a  dangerous  experiment,  know 
ing  the  enemy's  scouts  to  be  in  the  vicinity ;  but  it  suited 
our  adventurous  and  somewhat  reckless  dispositions,  and 
especially  our  brave  Adjutant  Walker,  who  led  the  party. 


TW^IBHBBHHB^HBflH 


A    FORAGING   EXPEDITION.  61 

Beaching  the  place  after  an  hour's  ride  we  rode  into  the 
yard,  dismounted,  and  the  Adjutant  and  Doctor  Clark 
approached  the  door,  leaving  our  companions  on  guard  out 
side.  The  door  was  opened  by  the  lady  of  the  house,  who 
bade  us  enter,  which  we  did  and  stated  our  business  as  being 
in  search  of  articles  contraband  of  war,  and  an  officer  of  the 
rebel  army  that  was  supposed  to  be  in  the  house.  We  were 
told  to  search  and  satisfy  ourselves. 

On  opening  the  door  of  an  adjoining  room  we  were 
somewhat  startled  to  find  seated  at  the  supper  table  three 
stalwart  men,  and  on  the  wall  were  slung  several  guns. 
We  were  a  trifle  disconcerted  at  this  discovery,  but  speedily 
regaining  our  equilibrium  we  held  a  moment's  consultation, 
the  result  of  which  was  for  Clark  to  step  to  the  door  and 
order,  in  their  hearing,  an  imaginary  sergeant  to  take  a  file 
of  men  and  examine  the  premises  surrounding,  the  Adjutant 
at  the  same  time  placing  the  occupants  of  the  house  in 
arrest  and  forbidding  them  leaving  their  seats.  We  had 
absolutely  surprised  this  group  of  men,  and  by  a  little 
strategy  kept  them  in  subjection;  otherwise  some  little 
unpleasantness  might  have  occurred.  After  a  little  time 
Clark  left  the  house  to  participate  in  the  search  for  proven 
der,  leaving  Walker  on  guard.  He  found  that  the  balance 
of  the  party  outside  had  secured  several  chickens  and  had 
disturbed  a  family  of  clucks,  and,  to-a-man,  were  busy  in 
chasing  them  about  the  yard,  hurling  stones  and  other  mis 
siles  until  a  half  dozen  or  more  were  captured.  The  noise 
and  clatter  of  the  chase  from  men  and  ducks  could  be  heard 
plainly,  and  did  not  exactly  tally  with  the  profession  we  had 
made,  and  Walker's  position  in  the  house  was  not  envied; 
however,  it  was  carrying  out  our  plan  of  operations.  After 
visiting  all  the  out-houses  our  plunder,  when  we  were  ready 
to  start,  amounted  to  six  chickens,  six  ducks,  a  tub  of  link 
sausage,  a  pot  of  honey  and  a  sack  of  hickory  nuts,  which 
were  all  bagged  and  sent  forward  to  camp.  Now,  how  to 


62  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

get  away  was  the  question.  It  was  finally  agreed  that  two 
of  us  should  go  in  and  announce  loudly  to  Walker  the  result 
of  our  search  and  state  that  we  considered  it  necessary  under 
the  circumstances  to  place  a  guard  about  the  house  for  the 
night,  or  until  we  could  receive  instructions  from  headquar 
ters.  This  arrangement,  Walker  said,  met  with  his  views, 
and  he  would  himself  go  and  consult  superiors.  On  leaving 
the  house  we  loudly  admonished  the  sentinels  (imaginary) 
to  allow  no  one  to  leave  it,  and  then  mounting  our  horses 
sped  back  to  camp,  or  rather  the  railway  train,  which  we 
reached  in  safety. 

Before  leaving  the  house,  however,  a  noise  under  the 
bed  attracted  our  attention,  and  on  lifting  the  valance  we 
beheld  a  young  lady  who  prayed  us  to  spare  her  life.  On 
assuring  her  that  we  had  no  intention  of  committing  any 
outrage,  she  came  out,  stating  that  "she  would  rather  be 
killed  than  scared  to  death!"  She  was  much  frightened, 
but  soon  regained  something  like  composure. 

We  remained  at  this  place  for  several  days,  guarding 
the  road,  making  expeditions  to  various  points  and  watching 
the  heavy-laden  trains  of  soldiers  passing  on  to  Martinsburg. 

While  at  this  point  Lieutenant  Eudd  came  in  from  a 
scouting  expedition  bringing  two  prisoners,  two  horses,  and 
a  large  number  of  turkeys,  chickens,  etc.  One  of  his  pris 
oners  was  a  Mr.  K —  -  of  the  Virginia  legislature,  and  the 
other,  a  member  of  Colonel  Ashby's  cavalry  who  was  home 
on  furlough.  The  experiences  of  the  party  were  pleasing  to 
hear.  His  first  captive  was  found  in  a  bin  of  oats,  the  man 
having  covered  himself  completely,  and  his  appearance  when 
called  upon  to  report  was  most  ludicrous. 

After  the  repair  of  the  bridge  at  Back  Creek  we 
advanced  several  miles  to  Cherry  Run  where  another  bridge 
spanning  the  deep  and  narrow  stream  needed  reconstructing, 
and  the  regiment  left  the  cars  and  made  a  temporary 
encampment. 


A    PRACTICAL   JOKE.  63 

General  Shields  had  been  appointed  to  the  command  of 
our  division,  taking  the  place  made  vacant  by  the  death  of 
General  Lander,  and  he  had  been  expected  to  report  for 
several  days.  None  were  more  eager  for  his  arrival  than  the 
Thirty-Ninth,  for  we  knew  him  to  have  been  a  former  resi 
dent  of  our  State,  and  many  of  us  were  familiar  with  his 
record  and  reputation  made  during  the  war  with  Mexico. 

Lieutenant  Simon  S.  Brucker,  of  Company  C,  had  been 
left  with  a  detail  of  men  near  the  railway  station,  one-half 
mile  or  so  from  where  the  regiment  was  in  bivouac  near 
the  bridge,  and  he  had  established  his  headquarters  in  a 
large  residence  near  the  depot.  About  nine  o'clock  in  the 
evening  the  quiet  of  camp  was  broken  by  the  report  that 
rapidly  spread  to  the  effect  that  General  Shields  had  just 
arrived  at  the  headquarters  of  Lieutenant  Brucker.  The 
night  was  so  mild  and  bright  that  Colonel  Osborn  could 
not  resist  the  temptation  to  immediately  pay  his  respects  to 
the  old  hero. 

Lace  and  the  band  were  therefore  summoned  and  directed 
to  accompany  an  informal  march  of  a  majority  of  the  regi 
ment  to  the  place  where  the  General  was  said  to  be  stopping. 
Colonel  Osborn  had  instructed  Lace  to  play  soon  after  he  and 
his  staff  should  enter  the  house,  and  in  due  time  General 
Shields  should  also  be  called  upon  for  a  speech.  Osborn 
was  met  at  the  entrance  to  the  spacious  mansion  by  Lieuten 
ant  Brucker,  who,  in  response  to  inquiries  from  his  colonel, 
replied,  "  Yes,  General  Shields  is  in  the  parlor.  Walk  in!  " 
The  party  removed  their  hats,  and  put  on  their  most  soldierly 
appearance  and  walked  into  the  room — it  was  vacant.  On 
the  parlor  table  rested  a  volume  which  proved  to  be  a  his 
tory  of  the  Mexican  War,  and  which  Lieutenant  Brucker,  in 
answer  to  many  questioning  glances,  proceeded  to  open, 
revealing  a  fine  portrait  of  General  Shields  and  which  he 
introduced  to  Colonel  Osborn  and  staff. 

The  pith  of  the  joke  was  at  once  visible  to  all,  and  while 


64  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  Colonel  was  deliberating  just  how  best  to  compensate  his 
subordinate  for  the  "chestnut"  he  had  proffered  him  the 
band  burst  out  in  the  most  approved  style,  "  Hail  to  the 
Chief!" 

It  was  known  that  calls  for  Shields  would  soon  follow, 
and  Osborn  ordered  the  Adjutant  to  notify  the  command  of 
the  disappointment.  To  this  Major  Munn  entered  his  de 
murrer,  saying  the  sell  was  too  good  not  to  be  shared  by  the 
rank  and  file.  He  insisted  that  as  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann 
could  imitate  the  Irish  brogue  and  blarney  to  perfection,  that 
he  should  take  his  place,  at  the  call  for  Shields,  in  the  shade 
of  the  large  veranda  of  the  house,  and,  surrounded  by  the 
officers,  should  make  a  speech.  Colonel  Osborn,  after  mut 
tering  a  mild  reprimand  to  Brucker,  finally  acquiesced.  The 
music  soon  ceased,  when  "  Shields !"  "Shields!"  "General 
Shields!!"  was  shouted  by  several  hundred  voices. 

Without  the  formality  of  an  introduction  the  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  with  approved  Celtic  accent,  retaining  his  position 
well  in  the  background,  said: — 

"  Me  brave  boys  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Infantry — " 

Here  the  balmy  air  was  rent  with  three  cheers  and  a 
tiger  for  General  Shields,  who  by  proxy  continued  to  say: — 

"  Me  lips  will  not  express  the  deep  gratification  I  feel  in  meeting  you 
to-night.  [Cheers.]  I  was  once  a  resident  of  your  great  State,  and  was 
associated  in  many  public  movements  with  our  great  Commander-in-chief, 
Abraham  Lincoln.  [Cheers.]  It  was  my  good  fortune  to  lead  troops  from 
that  great  State,  against  the  enemy  in  Mexico,  and  more  gallant  men  never 
marched  to  the  music  of  the  Union  than  were  they." 

This  seemed  to  electrify  Captain  Phillips  of  Company 
I,  who  had  served  under  Shields  in  Mexico,  and  he  shouted 
out,  "That's  so!  General  Shields,  and  there  are  several  of 
them  chaps  here  to-night." 

"  I  am  profoundly  glad  to  meet  you,  veterans  and  heroes  of  the 
Mexican  struggle,"  continued  the  General,  "and  only  hope  that  you  and 
your  new  comrades  in  arms  will  prove  just  as  brave  and  serviceable  when, 


MARCH   TO   MARTINSBURG.  §5 

under  my  humble  lead,  you  face  the  frowning  forts  at  Richmond,  as  you 
did  at  Monterey.  The  eyes  of  the  civilized  world  are  on  men  from  lUinois 
to-day;  and  believing  your  acts  will  ever  honor  your  State,  I  bid  ye  all, 
Good-night!" 

Lace,  the  leader  of  the  band,  was  the  first  to  discover 
the  little  deception,  and  he  was  anything  but  amiable  until 
he  learned  that  the  joke  had  reached  and  been  shared  by  all 
alike.  The  men  enjoyed  it. 

On  the  9th  of  March,  1862,  we  received  orders  to  pre 
pare  to  leave  the  cars  that  had  been  our  home  for  so  long  a 
time,  and  march  forward  to  Martinsburg,  ten  miles  distant. 
We  had  reconstructed  the  road  up  to  this  point,  and  were 
now  to  join  the  balance  of  the  division  which  had  already 
passed  by  us  and  meet  General  Shields  (for  a  fact,  this  time), 
who  was  to  take  command  of  our  division  at  Martinsburg. 
March  10th  a  regiment  of  loyal  Virginia  soldiers  arrived  to 
take  our  place,  and  we  moved  forward,  reaching  Martins 
burg  at  four  o'clock  P.M.,  and  were  directed  to  proceed  to 
the  court-house,  where,  with  the  greater  part  of  the  whole 
division,  we  were  massed  in  solid  column  to  receive  some 
remarks  from  General  Shields  on  the  occasion  of  his  assum 
ing  the  command.  His  speech  is  not  sufficiently  well 
remembered  to  give  it  place  in  this  history. 

It  will  perhaps  be  remembered  that  when  our  forces 
first  entered  Martinsburg,  the  rebellions  inhabitants  had 
barricaded  the  doors  of  the  court-house,  and  had  cut  the 
halyards  loose  from  the  flagstaff  with  the  avowed  purpose 
that  no  Union  flag  should  float  over  it.  The  Thirty-Ninth 
was  determined  that  the  Stars  and  Stripes  should  fly  there 
notwithstanding  that  the  people  of  the  town  had  announced 
that  sudden  death  awaited  those  who  dare  attempt  it.  A 
member  of  Company  B,  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  Private  Lee 
Harvey,  who  to-day  is  employed  as  an  engineer  on  the 
Chicago  and  Alton  railroad,  and  makes  his  home  at  Bloom- 
ington,  Ills.,  volunteered  to  do  the  business,  and  was  soon 


QQ  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

seen,  getting  up  the  side  of  the  building  by  the  aid  of 
the  lightning-rod,  bearing  with  him  a  flag.  He  reached  the 
roof  and  with  the  same  energy  he  climbed  the  flag-staff  and 
to  the  top  of  it  nailed  the  Stars  and  Stripes  where  so  lately 
had  flaunted  the  stars  and  bars  of  the  so-called  Southern 
Confederacy.  This  brave  act  made  him  the  hero  of  the 
hour. 

After  General  Shields'  address  the  command  moved  out 
a  short  distance  from  town  on  the  Winchester  pike,  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night.  The  following  morning  at  nine 
o'clock  we  resumed  our  march  towards  Winchester,  and  when 
within  two  miles  of  that  city  went  into  camp,  at  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  following  morning,  March 
12th,  1862,  after  guard  mount  and  the  duties  of  the  day 
were  disposed  of,  attention  was  given  to  a  general  cleaning 
up,  which  was  sadly  needed  after  so  long  a  confinement 
in  filthy  cars. 

Several  officers,  after  "  slicking  up,"  as  it  was  termed, 
and  which  mainly  consisted  in  having  their  boots  blacked  or 
greased  and  attaching  a  clean  paper  collar  to  the  shirt, 
received  permission  to  ride  into  the  city  of  Winchester  to 
satisfy  a  curiosity '  to  see  the  late  stronghold  of  Secession, 
and  the  base  of  operations  of  Jackson's  army. 

General  Banks'  command  was  encamped  near  by  and  the 
Thirteenth  Massachusetts  Volunteers  was  on  provost-marshal 
duty  in  the  town. 

After  a.  few  days  of  rest  in  camp,  the  Thirty -Ninth  was 
ordered  to  take  part  in  an  expedition  up  the  valley;  and 
leaving  knapsacks  and  all  camp  equipage  we  filed  out  on  the 
morning  of  March  18th,  1802,  to  join  the  balance  of  our 
brigade,  which  was  already  in  line,  and  at  half-past  nine 
o'clock  commenced  to  move,  preceded  by  a  company  of 
pioneers  bearing  axes  and  followed  by  twenty  pieces  of 
artillery. 

During  a  short  halt  made  in    the    city,   Major    S.  W. 


MAJOR   MUNN'S  HORSE.  67 

Munn,  who  was  riding  a  horse  that  had  been  captured  at 
Bath,  Ya.,  on  the  3d  of  January,  was  approached  by  a  young 
and  comely  lady  and  a  loyal  rebel,  who  after  the  preface  of 
some  pleasant  smiles  and  words,  remarked  that  he  was  riding 
her  horse  and  proceeded  forthwith  to  state  the  circumstances 
that  led  to  its  being  captured,  and  ended  by  saying  that  she 
presumed  the  Major  would  have  the  courtesy  to  return  the 
horse  to  its  owner.  The  Major,  as  we  all  know,  was  an 
exceedingly  gallant  and  gracious  man  and  especially  so  when 
a  handsome  woman  was  concerned.  After  recovering  some 
what  from  his  surprise  he  said  in  reply:  "Well,  madam,  I  do 
not  know  about  this.  The  horse,  if  yours,  was  found  in  very 
bad  company,  and  is  a  legitimate  capture  from  an  officer  in 
open  rebellion  against  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 
It  is  a  contraband  and  confiscation  of  war  and  is  now  the 
property  of  the  government.  I  am  riding  it  on  the  present 
occasion,  being  sadly  in  need  of  a  horse ;  perhaps  the  acci 
dents  of  war  may  restore  it  to  you.  Otherwise  it  will  be 
turned  in  to  the  quartermaster  and  sold.  I  am  very  sorry 
that  I  cannot  have  the  pleasure  of  turning  it  over  to  you, 
but  it  is  not  within  my  power.  Good  day!"  And  the  Major 
rode  away  to  the  call  of  duty,  leaving  the  woman  much 
chagrined  at  her  failure  and  doubtless  with  a  less  favorable 
opinion  of  the  "Yanks"  than  she  had  before. 

The  circumstances  attending  the  capture  of  this  horse 
were  as  follows:  During  a  reconnoisance  on  January  3d  near 
Bath,  Ya.,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Captain  S.  S. 
Linton,  also  accompanied  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  and 
several  cavalrymen,  Sergeant  Hopkins,  of  Company  D,  with 
a  squad  of  men  surprised  an  officer  who  seemed  to  be  out 
prospecting  in  a  neighboring  field,  and  who,  as  was  after 
wards  learned,  was  the  Adjutant-General  of  Loring's  Brigade. 
The  Sergeant  commanded  him  to  halt,  dismount,  and  sur 
render!  The  officer  quickly  dismounted,  and  taking  down 
some  of  the  top  rails  of  the  intervening  fence,  gave  the 


68  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

horse  a  stroke  that  sent  him  over  and  into  our  lines,  while 
the  officer,  taking  advantage  of  the  momentary  diversion  and 
the  approach  of  some  of  the  rebel  cavalry,  sneaked  away 
under  cover  of  the  fence  and  escaped.  The  horse  was  cap 
tured  and  turned  over  to  Major  Munn,  who  had  been  with 
out  a  horse  since  his  promotion.  It  was  afterwards  jointly 
used  by  him  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann,  whose  horse  had 
been  severely  injured  on  this  expedition  while  leaping  a  ditch 
in  efforts  to  escape  capture.  At  Suffolk,  Va.,  the  horse  was 
turned  in  to  the  quartermaster,  and  an  order  was  procured 
for  its  sale,  when  it  was  bought  by  money  contributed  by  the 
officers  of  the  regiment  and  forwarded  to  Governor  Yates  as 
a  present — Major  Munn  taking  it  to  Springfield  in  December, 
18 02,  when  he  left  the  service. 

As  we  passed  through  the  streets  of  Winchester  many 
dark  and  gloomy  faces  peered  at  us  from  doors  and  windows, 
and  some  among  the  gentler  sex  were  even  tearful,  thinking 
perhaps  of  our  mission  and  their  many  dear  friends  in  the 
Confederate  service  whom  we  might  encounter. 

The  streets  through  which  we  passed  were  lined  with 
soldiers  from  General  Banks'  command  who  greeted  us  as  we 
passed  with  cheering  words.  At  times  a  familiar  voice  would 
admonish  us  to  "take  care  of  yourself,  old  boy!"  and  "don't 
get  shot  in  the  back!! " 

The  spectacle  presented  by  this  moving  column,  fully 
ten  thousand  strong,  was  grand  and  imposing — the  glorious 
old  Stars  and  Stripes  waving  to  the  breeze — the  various 
bands  discoursing  lively  Union  music,  and  the  well-clothed 
and  orderly  soldiers  tramping  onward  in  measured  steps. 

"  '  Twere  worth  ten  years  of  peaceful  life, — 
One  glance  at  their  array." 

We  passed  at  a  quick-step  through  the  city  and  were 
soon  joined  by  General  Shields  and  staff,  who  took  position 
at  the  head  of  the  column,  which  was  preceded  by  the  Fifth 


RECONNOISSANCE  IN  FORCE. 


69 


Ohio  Infantry  and  a  portion  of  the  First  Michigan  Cavalry, 
who  acted  as  skirmishers. 

Along  our  line  of  travel  we  constantly  saw  traces  of  the 
enemy,  who,  as  we  approached,  had  hastily  decamped,  leav 
ing  their  camp-fires  still  burning  and  their  forage  scattered. 
We  found  enough  of  hay  and  oats  to  give  our  horses  a  good 
feed. 

At  a  distance  of  eight  miles  we  reached  the  small  village 
of  Newtown,  the  only  remarkable  feature  of  which  was  the 
absence  of  the  male  population.  The  women  were,  as  it 
seemed,  the  sole  occupants,  and  exhibited  themselves  freely 
at  the  windows  and  porches  of  the  houses,  and  it  pleased 
them  to  wear  a  most  forbidding  countenance.  The  only 
delighted  and  happy  expressions  were  seen  in  the  shining 
faces  of  the  many  negroes  who  had  gathered  together  in 
little  groups  at  various  points. 

Several  miles  further  brought  us  to  Middletown,  before 
reaching  which,  however,  we  noticed  a  dense  column  of  smoke 
from  what  we  soon  learned  was  the  bridge  spanning  Cedar 
creek,  and  which  had  been  set  on  fire  by  the  retreating 
rebels.  Soon  after,  we  heard  the  booming  of  cannon,  and 
an  order  came  to  open  ranks  and  let  the  artillery  pass, 
which  came  at  flying  speed;  then  closing  up,  we  rushed  for-" 
ward  at  double-quick  to  the  scene  of  action,  but  found  no 
enemy  to  fight.  One  of  the  Michigan  cavalry  was  badly 
wounded  by  Colonel  Ashby,  in  the  thigh,  and  the  bone  was 
so  badly  shattered  that  amputation  was  necessary. 

We  were  obliged  to  bivouac  at  this  point  for  the  night, 
the  Thirty-Ninth  being  ordered  to  flank  the  artillery.  No 
fire  was  allowed,  and  as  the  night  was  cold,  dark  and  rainy, 
it  was  supremely  disagreeable;  but  it  being  a  "military 
necessity"  we  stood  it  out  patiently. 

The  following  morning  we  were  up  and  stirring  by  the 
time  "reveille"  sounded,  and  after  sharpening  our  teeth  on 
hard-tack  passed  on  to  Strasburgh,  a  temporary  bridge 


70 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


EXPECTATIONS  NOT    REALIZED.  7} 

having  been  provided  to  cross  the  creek.  Our  approach, 
however,  was  careful  and  well-considered,  for  now  and  then  a 
shell  would  come  over  in  our  vicinity,  which  plainly  gave  us 
to  understand  that  the  enemy  were  not  far  off.  We  halted  a 
mile  from  town;  the  sharpshooters  and  cavalry  were  sent 
ahead  together  with  a  portion  of  the  artillery,  and  for  the 
space  of  an  hour  a  brisk  skirmish  was  kept  up  with  Ashby's 
cavalry.  We  finally  entered  Strasburgh,  and  proceeded  two 
miles  beyond,  taking  the  field  instead  of  the  road,  as  we 
were  afraid  of  masked  batteries,  and  with  reason,  too,  for 
they  were  soon  discovered,  and  in  such  position  that  had  we 
kept  the  road  they  would  have  done  great  damage.  The 
enemy  constantly  directed  their  fire  upon  us,  but  without 
effect,  as  but  very  few  of  their  shells  exploded.  We  had 
expected  to  meet  a  large  force  and  consequently  were  drawn 
up  in  line  of  battle,  and  anxiously  awaited  the  commence 
ment.  Twelve  pieces  of  our  artillery  were  put  in  position, 
and  opened  fire,  but  soon  ceased,  for  we  could  discover  in  the 
distance  an  attempt  to  stampede  and  Ashby's  cavalry  prepar 
ing  for  a  charge  upon  the  Fifth  Ohio  in  order  to  give  oppor 
tunity  for  a  successful  retreat. 

We  waited  impatiently  for  operations  to  commence,  but 
there  was  no  commencement,  and  we  advanced  until  darkness 
when  the  order  came  to  bivouac;  and  to  add  to  the  discom 
fort  a  drizzly  rain  set  in  and  continued  through  the  night. 
In  the  morning  nothing  could  be  seen  of  the  enemy  and 
at  nine  o'clock  A.M.  we  were  ordered  back  to  our  former 
camp,  which  was  reached  at  eight  o'clock  P.M.,  after  a  very 
fatiguing  march  of  twenty-one  miles  through  the  rain,  which 
still  continued  to  fall. 


CHAPTEE  VII 


Meet  Doctor  Owens — David  Strother — Reach  our  Camp — Skirmish  with 
Ashby's  Cavalry — General  Shields  Wounded — Battle  of  Winchester — 
Position  of  the  Regiment  —  Results  of  the  Battle — Following  the 
Army  of  Jackson  —  Skirmish  with  the  Rear-guard — Bivouac  at 
Cedar  Creek — Pursuit  Resumed — Woodstock  —  Edinburg — Permis 
sion  to  Forage — Early  Start  in  the  Morning — Mount  Jackson — 
Charging  a  Battery — Move  on  to  Strasburgh,  the  Limit  of  Pursuit — 
Call  on  Colonel  Nat.  Kimball — Supporting  a  Battery  —  General 
Shields'  Recovery — On  the  March  Again — Fording  the  Shenandoah 
— Reach  New  Market — Cross  the  Massanutton  Mountains — White 
House  and  Columbia  Bridges — Luray — Skirmish  at  Columbia  Bridge 
and  Hold  it — Surprising  a  Rebel — Seeking  to  Arrest  Colonel  Boswell 
— Visit  from  Plantation  Darkeys — A  Reconnoissance — March  to 
Fredericksburg — Eastern  Soldiers — Reviewed  by  President  Lincoln — 
Ordered  Back — Departure  of  Shields — Move  to  Alexandria — Sent  to 
Harrison's  Landing. 


A  T  NEWTOWN,  on  our  return,  we  met  with  a  Dr.  J.  W. 
Owens,  who  invited  the  Surgeon  of  the  Thirteenth 
Indiana  and  Dr.  Clark  to  his  house,  where  a  good  dinner  was 
furnished,  with  the  "  et  ceteras."  Before  dining  he  took 
much  pride  in  showing  us  some  of  his  correspondence  with 
Daniel  Webster  and  several  European  celebrities.  We  found 
him  to  be  a  man  of  culture  and  refinement.  He  was  a 
widower;  the  splendid  residence  occupied  by  him  being 
chiefly  in  care  of  his  much-attached  slaves.  He  showed  us  a 
miniature  picture  of  his  late  wife,  who  was  a  descendant  of 
the  Washington  family,  and  which  he  carried  in  a  fold  of 
his  pocket-book,  for  the  reason,  as  he  stated,  that  he  did  not 
know  when  he  might  be  taken  prisoner,  and  he  wished  to 
have  it  with  him.  He  was  a  most  bitter  secessionist  and 
owned  some  twenty  slaves  which,  he  said,  he  would  soon  free. 


SKIRMISH   WITH  ASHBY'S   CAVALRY.  73 

On  our  return  we  met  with  our  old  friend,  David 
Strother  ("Porte  Crayon").  He  is  attached  to  the  cavalry 
service  and  was  stationed  a  Manassas,  but  had  been  detached 
and  put  upon  General  Banks'  staff  and  was  proceeding  to 
Strasburgh  by  invitation  of  General  Shields,  who  wished  to 
avail  himself  of  his  topographical  knowledge.  In  speaking 
of  the  late  affair  at  Bath,  he  stated  that  the  rebels  had  done 
him  great  damage,  having  destroyed  a  valuable  cabinet  of 
minerals  —  defaced  all  his  paintings  and  stolen  all  his 
sketches,  —  a  loss  irreparable,  and  one  that  money  could 
not  replace. 

We  reached  our  camp  near  Winchester  at  eight  o'clock 
P.M.,  and  were  glad  to  get  under  the  shelter  of  our  tents. 

This  reconnoissance  in  force  was  not  attended  with  the 
results  that  were  anticipated,  except  that  we  gained  a  knowl 
edge  of  the  enemy's  strength  and  location  and  cleared  the 
way  for  the  advance  of  General  Banks'  army,  which  was 
moving  on  Centreville. 

The  night'  of  March  22nd  the  "  long  roll "  was  sounded, 
and  the  various  regiments  of  our  division  turned  out  and 
were  soon  in  line  and  on  the  march  towards  Winchester. 
The  scene  of  the  affray  was  located  about  one  mile  beyond 
the  city,  and  was  occasioned  by  a  body  of  Ashby's  cavalry 
who  had  dismounted  and  were  advancing  as  infantry,  under 
the  impression  that  the  Union  forces  had  left,  as  they  had 
undoubtedly  witnessed  the  departure  of  General  Banks' 
army.  They  came  howling  and  yelling  like  so  many  demons, 
but  were  gallantly  met  by  the  First  Maryland  Cavalry,  who 
delivered  a  fire  that  killed  nineteen  of  the  rebels  who  fell 
like  stones  to  rise  no  more.  The  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  and 
the  Fifth  Ohio  Infantry  took  position  on  the  Eomney  pike, 
but  fortunately  their  services  were  not  demanded,  for  the 
enemy  soon  retreated. 

During  the  little  skirmish  one  of  our  artillerymen  was 
killed,  and  also  the  horse  Jie  was  riding.  General  Shields 


74  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

was  also  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  shell  which  broke  his 
left  arm.  He  was  soon  conveyed  to  the  rear  in  an  ambu 
lance. 

During  the  day  Captain  Gray  of  Company  C  had  been 
stationed  some  three  miles  in  advance  with  his  company,  on 
outpost  duty,  and  when  we  met  with  him,  after  this  skir 
mish,  he  told  us  that  he  had  been  engaged  more  or  less 
during  the  whole  day  with  the  advance  of  Ashby's  cavalry 
and  had  lost  two  men. 

The  whole  division  was  kept  on  duty  during  the  entire 
night,  and  the  retreating  rebels  were  followed  up  by  some 
five  companies  of  cavalry. 

The  succeeding  day  (March  23,  1862)  ushered  in  the 
battle  of  "  Winchester,"  with  Ashby's  cavalry  and  the  whole 
force  of  Jackson  to  combat.  The  engagement  commenced 
at  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  did  not  terminate  until  darkness  had 
set  in.  The  Thirty-Ninth  occupied  the  extreme  left  and 
was  not  called  into  action,  but  did  good  service  in  support 
ing  a  battery  during  the  engagement. 

The  scene  of  the  action  was  in  the  vicinity  of  Kerns- 
town,  some  four  miles  in  advance  of  "Winchester  on  the 
Strasburgh  pike.  Our  division  was  posted  as  follows:  the 
brigade  of  Kimball  on  the  extreme  right,  General  Tyler  in 
the  center,  and  General  Sullivan  on  the  left.  General  Kim- 
ball  had  command,  owing  to  the  disability  of  General  Shields. 
The  battle  opened  with  a  fierce  artillery  duel  which  con 
tinued  until  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the 
infantry  became  engaged,  and  resulted  in  a  complete  victory 
for  our  troops  after  fighting  almost  hand-to-hand  over  a 
distance  of  two  miles. 

The  carnage  was  frightful,  our  division  having  one 
hundred  and  fifty  men  killed  and  three  hundred  wounded, 
while  the  enemy's  loss  amounted  to  some  nine  hundred  in 
killed  and  wounded,  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  prisoners, 
and  the  abandonment  of  two  field-pieces  arid  four  caissons, 


BATTLE   OF   WINCHESTER.  75 

together  with  one  thousand  stand  of  small  arms  and  several 
stands  of  colors.* 

General  Jackson,  it  was  said,  had  made  the  boast  in 
the  morning  that  he  would  enter  Winchester  in  time  for 
evening  service  at  the  churches;  and  so  confident  were  the 
women  that  he  would  be  successful  that  they  were  preparing 
a  banquet  for  him,  but  it  proved  as  true  in  this  case  as  in 
many  others  that 

"  There's  many  a  slip  between  cup  and  lip;" 

and  instead  of  entering  Winchester  he  was  fast  retreating  on 
Strasburgh  with  a  crippled  army.  It  was  at  this  battle  that 
General  Jackson  received  the  "soubriquet"  of  "Stonewall 
Jackson  "  from  the  fact  of  his  having  taken  up  with  a  posi 
tion  behind  a  stone  wall  which  resulted  most  disastrously  to 
our  men  while  making  a  charge. 

Our  men  had  had  nothing  to  eat  since  the  early  morn 
ing  and  it  was  not  until  nine  o'clock  P.M.  that  the  commissary 
reported  with  rations. 

The  men  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  and  a  bitter  cold 
night  it  was.  The  following  morning  General  Banks  returned, 
but  too  late  to  be  of  any  service  except  in  the  matter  of 
directing  the  pursuit,  and  it  devolved  upon  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  to  lead  the  advance,  which  was  continued  to  Stras 
burgh.  Our  inarch  during  the  day  was  continually  inter 
rupted  and  made  disagreeable  by  the  continued  assaults  of 
the  rear-guard  of  the  enemy,  who,  with  two  pieces  of  artil 
lery,  were  throwing  shells  amongst  us ;  but  their  fire  was 
returned  with  interest,  and  as  we  advanced  we  could  perceive 

*  The  battle  and  the  victory  at  Winchester  was  considered  so  import 
ant,  occurring  as  it  did  after  the  Bull  Run  disaster,  that  President  Lincoln 
and  his  cabinet  paid  a  visit  to  the  battle-ground.  The  victory  at  Winches 
ter  was  bravely  won,  but  not  without  the  sacrifice  of  many  good  and 
valiant  men.  The  troops  were  complimented  by  General  McClellan,  and 
General  Shields  personally  complimented  them  upon  opening  the  campaign 
on  the  Potomac,  and  advised  us  to  inscribe  Winchester  upon  our  banners. 


76  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

that  our  fire  had  been  effectual  from  the  number  of  dead  and 
wounded  that  had  been  left  to  our  mercy. 

We  bivouacked  for  the  night  at  Cedar  creek.  The 
pursuit  was  continued  the  following  morning  (Tuesday, 
March  25),  and  as  we  pushed  forward  the  rebel  cavalry  and 
artillery  seemed  to  have  disappeared;  but  more  or  less  skir 
mishing  was  kept  up  with  the  enemy's  rear-guard  until  we 
went  into  camp  near  Woodstock.  This  town  was  a  county- 
seat  and  was  built  up  along  one  street,  and  as  we  entered  at 
one  end  the  rebels  left  at  the  other.  The  enemy  had  planted 
a  battery  of  artillery  upon  an  eminence  at  the  further  side, 
and  our  artillery  took  position  on  a  rise  of  ground  opposite, 


FBESH  POBK  FOE  SUPPER. 

the  town  lying  between,  and  a  brief  but  lively  cannonading 
took  place.  A  shell  from  one  of  our  guns  struck  a  large 
brass  ball  upon  the  cupola  of  the  court-house,  splitting  it  in 
halves.  General  Ashby's  horse  was  also  killed  under  him. 

We  soon  moved  on  and  went  into  camp  at  the  town  of 
Edinburg,  and  here,  as  we  were  sadly  short  of  rations,  per 
mission  was  given  to  forage ;  and  as  the  woods  were  full  of 
hogs  there  was  soon  no  lack  of  provender  in  the  flesh  line. 
We  remained  at  this  place  until  April  1st,  when  we  were 
called  upon  at  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  to  advance.  We 
passed  through  the  town,  our  advance-guard  driving  the 
pickets  of  the  enemy.  The  rebels,  however,  made  but  little 
resistance.  About  sunrise  we  reached  Mount  Jackson,  a 
town  of  some  six  hundred  inhabitants,  and  here  the  enemy 


FIRST   CHARGE   OF  THE   THIRTY-NINTH.  77 

set  fire  to  the  cars  and  the  bridge  before  retiring;  but  our 
cavalry  hastened  forward  and  after  a  light  skirmish  in  which 
one  man  was  killed  and  three  taken  prisoners  the  bridge  was 
saved.  Jackson  endeavored  to  make  a  stand  on  the  heights 
across  the  river,  but  Shields  succeeded  in  flanking  his  posi 
tion  and  he  moved  on  toward  Staunton.  Here  it  was  that  the 
Thirty-Ninth  made  its  first,  if  not  its  most  brilliant  charge. 
On  Rood's  Hill,  nearly  a  mile  distant,  there  was  discovered 
what  was  supposed  to  be  a  masked  battery.  No  men  were 
visible,  only  the  mouth  of  a  large  gun,  at  least  a  thirty-two- 
pounder,  could  be  seen.  This  battery  must  be  taken,  and 
the  Thirty-Ninth  was  assigned  that  duty.  At  the  word  of 
command  the  boys  started  out  on  the  "  double-quick,"  but 
cautiously,  making  a  detour  so  as  to  conceal  the  movement 
and  take  the  battery  in  flank.  When  sufficiently  near,  the 
order  came  to  charge,  and  with  a  cheer  and  hurrah  they  made 
a  grand  rush  upon  the  formidable  battery,  which  was  found  to 
consist  of  an  old  piece  of  smoke-stack  or  pipe  that  had  been 
abandoned  by  the  roadside  and  was  well  supported  by  any 
number  of  trees  standing  in  martial  order  behind  it.  We 
then  moved  on  to  Strasburgh  and  went  into  camp. 

This  was  the  limit  of  our  pursuit  as  directed  by  General 
Banks.  It  was  rumored  at  this  time  that  the  enemy  had  been 
largely  reinforced  by  Generals  Smith  and  Longstreet,  but 
this  proved  incorrect  at  this  time.  Our  force  on  this  occa 
sion  consisted  of  four  brigades  of  infantry,  one  regiment  of 
cavalry  (the  Third  U.  S. )  and  forty  pieces  of  artillery.  On 
the  evening  of  April  4th  the  sutler  reached  our  camp, 
bringing  several  casks  of  ale,  and  it  is  hardly  necessary  to 
add  that  it  was  soon  transferred  from  the  barrels  to  the 
thirsty  throats  of  its  admirers.  The  same  evening  some  of 
the  officers,  accompanied  by  the  band,  proceeded  to  pay  their 
respects  to  Colonel  Nat.  Kimball,  commanding,  who-  was 
found  wrapped  in  the  drapery  of  his  blankets  and  who 
declined  to  listen  to  any  music,  as  it  was  not  military  at  such 


78  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

a  time,  and  furthermore,  would  prevent  us  hearing  an  alarm 
if  one  was  sounded.  The  General  being  too  much  engaged 
with  his  fears,  we  left  him  and  proceeded  to  the  headquar 
ters  of  General  Williams,  who  courteously  invited  us  in  and 
gave  us  a  hearty  welcome. 

April  7th  the  regiment  was  called  upon  for  duty  at  the 
outpost,  to  support  a  battery  of  artillery,  and  a  sorry  time 
we  had,  bivouacking  out  in  the  cold  drizzly  rain;  but  in  the 
space  of  twenty-four  hours  we  were  relieved  by  the  Seventh 
Indiana  and  proceeded  back  to  our  old  quarters  where  there 
was  more  solid  comfort. 

April  12th,  General  Shields  had  so  far  recovered  as  to 
be  able  to  review  his  command.  On  being  congratulated 
upon  his  recovery,  he  stated  that  he  was  again  ready  to 
give  the  rebels  another  chance  at  him,  supported  as  he 
would  be  by  his  gallant  troops. 

While  we  were  encamped  at  Strasburgh  Surgeon  Blake 
and  Major  Munn  rejoined  the  regiment.  The  Major  had 
been  absent  sick  since  March  22d,  and  Surgeon  Blake  since 
the  battle,  having  been  detailed  to  the  hospital.  Consider 
able  speculation  was  indulged  in  as  regarded  in  our  next 
move,  but  nothing  could  be  learned  from  any  source.  It 
was  evident,  however,  that  we  should  not  remain  long  idle. 

At  one  o'clock  A.M.,  April  17th,  orders  came  to  at  once 
prepare  to  march,  and  we  were  soon  in  readiness  for  any 
destination.  We  left  camp  before  daylight  and  during  the 
morning  crossed  the  south  branch  of  the  Shenandoah  river, 
our  skirmishers  having  now  and  then  a  little  brush  with  the 
rebel  cavalry;  but  they  retreated  rapidly  after  burning 
bridges,  railroad  cars  and  other  property  that  might  give  aid 
and  comfort  to  the  enemy.  Our  cavalry  in  the  advance  had 
several  brisk  skirmishes,  resulting  in  the  capture  of  a  few 
prisoners.  During  the  day  we  forded  the  Shenandoah  river, 
the  water  being  waist  deep  and  having  a  very  strong  current. 
A  large  number  of  the  men  removed  their  clothing  for  this 


SURPRISE  A   REBEL.  79 

purpose,  remembering  their  experiences  at  Hancock,  Md, 
with  wet  garments. 

We  reached  New  Market  after  a  tedious  journey  over  the 
worst  road  that  we  had  as  yet  traveled,  and  bivouacked.  The 
following  morning,  April  19th,  the  regiment  was  ordered  to 
cross  the  Massanutton  mountain  to  guard  the  bridges  upon 
the  river  which  were  spanning  the  south  fork  of  the  Potomac. 
One  half  of  the  regiment  were  stationed  at  Columbia  bridge, 
while  the  other  part  guarded  the  White  House  bridge,  some 
six  miles  distant.  The  duty  at  the  White  House  bridge  was 
shared  by  two  companies  of  the  First  Vermont  Cavalry,  who 
were  daily  busy  in  making  raids.  On  the  23d  of  April 
we  organized  a  raid  to  proceed  to  the  village  of  Luray, 
some  six  miles  distant,  but  did  not  accomplish  anything 
except  giving  the  inhabitants  a  thorough  scare  and  driving 
from  town  a  small  force  of  the  enemy.  We  remained  in  the 
town  some  few  hours,  and  while  there  the  larders  of  its 
citizens  suffered  somewhat  severely  by  helping  ourselves  to 
something  for  eating  and  drinking,  which  was  byno  means 
abundant. 

The  six  companies  that  were  stationed  at  Columbia 
bridge,  under  the  command  of  Major. Munn,  had  quite  a 
lively  skirmish  with  two  companies  of  rebel  cavalry  at  the 
time  they  took  possession,  getting  some  seventeen  prisoners. 
The  Major  posted  his  men  in  such  manner  as  to  hold  the 
place.  This  bridge  as  well  as  the  one  called  the  White 
House  was  a  covered  one,  and  of  great  length,  and  it  was 
impossible  to  determine  the  character  of  any  persons  in  the 
bridge  by  those  approaching,  and  this  circumstance  soon 
gave  them  another  prisoner.  It  seems  that  a  rebel  officer 
had  been  off  down  the  river  to  see  his  best  girl,  and  in  his 
absence  the  bridge  had  fallen  into  our  hands.  He  was 
totally  ignorant  of  the  fact,  and  was  returning  on  his  horse 
in  a  very  leisurely  and  unconcerned  mariner.  He  came  along 
singing  and  chirping  and  was  doubtless  in  a  very  happy 


§0  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

frame  of  mind — just  back  from  seeing  his  charmer.  Our 
boys  noticed  his  coming  and  one  of  them  drew  up  his  gun 
to  fire,  but  was  arrested  in  time  by  the  Major,  who  said  "Let 
him  alone  and  we  will  give  him  a  surprise;"  and  they  with 
drew  back  in  the  deeper  shadow  of  the  bridge.  The  man 
still  continued  to  approach,  wholly  unsuspicious  of  danger. 
He  was  allowed  to  come  quite  close  before  the  word  was 
given  to  "halt!"  "Halt!"  he  sang  out,  thinking  the  matter 
a  joke.  "What  the  d — 1  are  you  halting  me  for?  I'm  no 

d d   Yankee!"      "Well,   we   are.     Halt!"     And  the   boys 

stepped  forward  presenting  their  muskets.  The  surprise  and 
astonishment  of  this  man  can  better  be  imagined  than 
described.  He  was  almost  paralyzed,  but  yielded  gracefully 
to  circumstances  and  the  fortunes  of  war. 

April  22d,  Major  Collins,  commanding  several  companies 
of  the  First  Vermont  Cavalry  stationed  near  us  at  White 
House  bridge,  invited  several  officers  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  to 
accompany  him  on  an  expedition  made  for  the  purpose  of 
arresting  a  Colonel  Boswell,  of  the  Confederate  army,  who 
was  known  to  be  at  his  home  several  miles  distant  in  the 
country.  At  the  head  of  two  companies  we  started  off  on 
the  gallop.  An  hqjir's  ride  brought  us  to  the  house,  and 
attended  by  a  file  of  troopers  we  proceeded  up  to  the  door, 
and  were  met  by  a  lady  very  much  excited  and  frightened. 
"Is  this  the  residence  of  Colonel  Boswell,  madam?"  the 
Major  asked.  "It  is,  sir."  "Is  the  Colonel  at  home?" 
"No,  sir."  "Can  you  inform  us  as  to  his  whereabouts?" 
"  I  think  he  has  gone  to  join  the  army ;  but,  are  you  Northern 
or  Southern  soldiers?  "  "  We  are  soldiers  in  support  of  the 
majesty  of  the  United  States  government, — Northern  men, 
madam,  and,  if  you  please,  genuine  Yankees;  and  you  will 
please  be  quite  certain  that  your  husband  is  not  here,  for  we 
intend  to  search  the  house  and  premises."  "  I  tell  you  the 
truth,  sir,  if  I  die  the  next  minute ;  but  I  do  hope  you  will 
not  kill  him  in  case  you  should  ever  meet  with  him,  and  I 


AT   COLUMBIA    BRIDGE.  81 

do  pray  that  you  will  not  turn  myself  and  daughters  out  of 
our  home  on  such  a  day  as  this  is."  "  No  fear,  madam.  We 
came  solely  to  seek  your  husband,  whom  we  were  informed 
was  here  on  a  visit.  You  or  your  home  shall  not  suffer  in 
the  least,  and  we  do  not  war  against  women  and  children." 

We  then  proceeded  to  make  a  thorough  search  of  the 
house  and  outbuildings,  but  failed  to  find  the  Colonel.  He 
must  have  been  apprised  of  our  coming  and  fled. 

After  overhauling  all  his  papers  and  correspondence  and 
appropriating  what  seemed  of  importance  we  returned  to  our 
camp  very  much  chagrined  at  the  failure. 

The  probabilities  were  that  we  would  remain  in  the 
vicinity  of  White  House  bridge  for  several  weeks  and  conse 
quently  had  ordered  forwarded  all  our  camp  and  garrison 
equipage.  Our  life  was  full  of  novelty  and  excitement,  and 
the  hours  and  days  passed  smoothly  away.  While  here,  we 
were  visited  by  a  large  and  motley  group  of  slaves  belong 
ing  to  the  adjacent  farmers,  and  to  witness  their  delight  and 
the  well-pleased  expressions  that  beamed  from  every  polished 
face — their  large  eyes  rolling  in  a  frenzy  of  amazement  and 
their  thick  labials  shrinking  back  from  the  gleaming  ivory 
in  merry  grins  at  what  they  witnessed  of  company  drill  and 
camp  scenes,  was  funny  to  behold.  The  regimental  band 
discoursed  some  lively  airs  for  their  especial  benefit,  awaking 
in  them  all  the  harmony  of  their  natures,  which  expressed 
itself  in  every  bone  and  muscle,  and  occasionally  it  found 
vent  in  words:  "Lor,  bress  dis  y'er  time!  Chile,  jis  listen 
to  dat  ar!  it  am  mighty  fine."  They  remained  until  after 
"  dress  parade,"  which  "capped  the  climax,"  and  a  better 
pleased  set  of  darkeys  never  existed  than  left  our  camp  on 
that  day. 

May  4th,  the  detachment  located  at  White  House  bridge 
was  ordered  to  Columbia  bridge  to  support  the  Thirteenth 
Indiana  and  First  Virginia  regiments,  which  were  guarding 
the  bridge.  On  the  5th  rumors  of  the  advance  of  Jackson 


g2  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

were  circulated,  and  finally  confirmed  by  the  appearance  of 
large  numbers  of  rebel  cavalry  on  the  opposite  side.  The 
troops  were  ordered  to  sleep  on  their  arms  and  be  in  readi 
ness  at  a  moment's  warning  to  either  fight  or  retreat. 

May  6th  brought  nothing  new  except  that  Companies  D 
and  .G  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  were  sent  out  as  skirmishers  and 
we  were  reinforced  with  five  regiments  of  infantry,  one 
regiment  of  cavalry,  and  two  batteries  of  artillery. 

At  one  o'clock  the  following  morning  the  whole  com 
mand  were  ordered  forward  for  a  reconnoissance  of  the 
enemy's  position,  which  resulted  in  a  severe  skirmish  with 
the  vanguard  of  the  enemy,  wherein  the  Thirteenth  Indiana, 
which  led  the  advance,  lost  about  fifty  men  in  killed  and 
wounded  and  taken  prisoners.  We  found  their  force  to  be 
greatly  superior  to  our  own  and  were  compelled  to  make  a 
hasty  retreat.  The  report  had  reached  us  that  Yorktown 
had  been  evacuated,  and  the  force  opposite  to  us  was  indeed 
a  part  if  not  the  whole  of  that  army.  During  the  night  the 
summit  and  sides  of  the  Blue  Kidge  for  miles  were  glittering 
with  the  camp-fires  and  signal-lights  of  the  rebel  host.  In 
order  to  mislead  the  enemy  hundreds  of  unnecessary  fires 
were  lighted  up  on  our  hill-sides. 

The  signal  corps  were  kept  busy  all  night  telegraphing 
across  the  mountain  to  General  Banks,  who.  had  been  forced 
to  retire  from  Harrisonburg  by  reason  of  the  advance  of  the 
large  army  under  Johnson  and  Jackson. 

May  10th,  orders  came  to  prepare  for  a  march  to  Fred- 
ericksburg  and  report  to  General  McDowell.  The  following 
morning  at  an  early  hour  we  had  commenced  a  weary  march, 
and  for  four  continuous  days  the  rain  was  unceasing.  After 
crossing  the  Blue  Kidge  we  met  a  party  of  some  six  hundred 
rebel  cavalry,  and  a  brisk  skirmish  ensued  which  delayed 
our  progress  for  a  few  hours.  This  march  had  extended 
across  the  peninsula  and  through  the  wilderness  of  Virginia, 
and  had  been  undertaken  with  the  expectation  of  forming, 


THE   FORCED   MARCH   TO  FREDERICKSBURG. 


83 


84  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

with  the  army  of  General  McDowell,  the  right  wing  of 
McClellan's  army.  General  McDowell  had  a  force  of  forty 
thousand  men  under  his  command,  and  at  the  time  of  our 
arrival  they  were  in  active  preparation  for  a  move  "  On  to 
Richmond,"  and  we  were  ordered  to  at  once  trim  ourselves 
for  the  movement.  All  of  our  tents  were  ordered  turned 
over;  the  baggage  train  to  be  diminished  to  four  wagons; 
our  heavy  winter  clothing  to  be  packed  and  sent  to  Wash 
ington;  all  disabled  men  to  be  discharged  from  the  service, 
and  those  requiring  hospital  treatment  to  be  sent  to  Alexan 
dria,  Ya.  There  was  to  be  a  general  purging  out  of  Shields' 
Division,  and  his  rough  Western  men  must  subscribe  more 
fully  and  obey  more  strictly  "  army  regulations,"  so  they 
might  harmonize  more  fully  with  the  popinjay  soldiers  from 
Massachusetts  and  the  Eastern  States,  whom  we  often  noticed 
looking  scornfully  and  disdainfully  at  us,  until  there  were 
several  broken  heads  among  them  to  teach  them  better 
manners. 

President  Lincoln,  Secretary  Stan  ton,  Lord  Lyons  of 
the  British  Embassy,  and  other  distinguished  persons,  were 
present  here,  and  the  next  day  there  was  to  be  a  grand  review 
of  the  army,  and  there  was  a  great  deal  to  do  in  order  to 
prepare  for  a  close  inspection  and  the  parade.  On  the 
afternoon  of  April  '24th,  the  troops,  numbering  some  fifty 
thousand,  were  paraded  for  review.  As  President  Lincoln 
rode  down  our  lines  at  a  gallop  in  company  with  General 
McDowell  and  his  brilliant  staff,  his  eye  caught  sight  of 
our  flag,  which  had  our  name  and  number  emblazoned  upon 
it,  and  partly  turned  and  stopped  and  called  out,  "  What 
regiment  is  that?"  " Thirty-Ninth  Illinois !"  was  answered. 
"Well!  you  boys  are  a  good  ways  from  home,  a'int  you?" 
and  passed  on  down  the  line.  After  the  review  and  we  had 
returned  to  our  camp  the  President  came  and  made  a  tour 
through  the  regimental  quarters,  shaking  hands  with  many 
and  asking  numerous  questions.  He  seemed  delighted  to 


REVIEW   BY   PRESIDENT  LINCOLN. 


85 


85  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

find  a  regiment  from  his  own  state  in  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac. 

The  lines  of  army  discipline  were  drawn  pretty  taut  at 
this  juncture,  and  the  duties  of  officers  and  men  were  onerous 
in  the  extreme.  Dr.  Clark  was  the  only  medical  officer  with 
the  regiment,  as  Dr.  Blake  had  remained  at  New  Market  in 
charge  of  our  sick,  and  had  afterwards  been  assigned  to  duty 
in  Banks'  army  in  charge  of  a  hospital  near  Mount  Jackson, 
Va.  Major  Munn  was  also  absent  011  detached  service  as 
provost-marshal  at  Warrenton  Junction.  The  regimental 
quartermaster,  Joseph  A.  Cutler,  was  also  behind  somewhere, 
and  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Linton,  of  Company  D,  was  acting  in 
his  place,  and  was  much  more  efficient  and  gave  much  better 
satisfaction.  Disabled  men  were  being  examined  and  dis 
charged  and  the  sick  sent  to  hospital,  and  the  heavy  clothing 
and  overcoats  of  the  men  were  got  in  readiness  to  be  sent  to 
"Washington. 

About  May  23d  it  began  to  be  rumored  that  General 
Banks  was  being  driven  back  and  surrounded  by  the  rebels 
under  Generals  Johnson,  Jackson  and  Ewell,  who  were 
making  every  effort  to  tear  up  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  rail 
road  again,  and  Shields'  division  received  orders  to  march 
back  to  his  relief  ;  and  on  the  morning  of  May  25th,  at  six 
o'clock,  we  started  on  a  return  forced  march.  Prior  to  leaving, 
however,  four  captains  and  two  lieutenants  from  different 
companies  of  the  regiment  went  to  Dr.  Clark  for  examina 
tion  and  a  certificate  of  disability  on  which  to  base  an  appli 
cation  to  enable  them  to  present  the  resignation  of  their 
commissions — right  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  as  it  were. 
Dr  Clark,  upon  examination  of  these  six  officers,  found  that 
he  could  not  accede  to  their  wishes,  and  they,  after  some 
slight  unpleasantness  with  the  Doctor,  were  obliged  to  return, 
but  soon  afterwards  tendered  their  resignations  and  left  the 
service. 

On  the  return  march  some  trouble  occurred  between 


THE  RETURN  MARCH. 


87 


Generals  McDowell  and  Shields,  with  the  result  that  General 
Shields  left  his  command.  At  Warrenton  Junction  we 
heard  of  General  Banks'  defeat  and  utter  route  from  the 
valley,  and  there  being  no  further  necessity  for  our  joining 
him,  our  brigade,  which  then  consisted  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois,  Sixty-Second  and  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  and  Thirteenth 
Indiana  Volunteers,  was  ordered  to  Alexandria,  Va. 

There  were  many  sick  and  foot-sore,  and  they  were  given 
transportation  on  the  railroad.  Proceeding  on  from  this 
point  the  march  became  more  and  more  tedious  and  monoto- 


GUNBOATS    ON    JAMES    RlVEB. 

nous.  We  were  yet  on  the  road  formerly  traversed,  noticeable 
by  many  signs,  chief  of  which,  perhaps,  was  the  complete 
demolition  of  the  rail-fencing  marking  our  former  bivouacs, 
which  had  been  used  for  fuel  or  for  shelter,  and  in  many 
instances  for  a  bed,  in  order  to  keep  out  of  the  mud.  The 
rail  fences  of  Virginia  were  a  great  boon  to  the  soldiers  of 
both  armies. 

The  Thirty-Ninth,  with  the  balance  of  the  division, 
reached  Alexandria  about  June  12th,  where  a  rest  was  given 
us  to  recuperate  from  so  long  a  march ;  but  it  was  not  to  be 
a  protracted  or  even  a  sufficient  one,  for  McClellan's  army 


gg  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

was  engaged  with  Lee's  in  what  has  been  recorded  in  history 
as  the  "  Seven  Days'  "  fight,  in  front  of  Richmond,  and  like 
the  Wandering  Jew  we  must  move  on. 

The  26th  of  Jane  we  were  ordered  on  board  transports 
and  were  soon  "  en  route  "  for  Harrison's  Landing  on  the 
James  river,  arriving  there  in  time  to  take  some  small  part 
in  the  battle  of  Malvern  Hill,  July  1st,  1862;  but  fortunately 
our  positions  and  duty  were  such  that  we  lost  no  men  from 
the  regiment. 

It  should  have  been  mentioned  in  its  proper  connection 
that  when  we  reached  Luray,  Va.,  on  our  return  march  from 
Falmouth  or  Fredericksburg,  a  portion  of  our  brigade  was 
sent  to  Port  Eepublic  to  hold  or,  if  need  be,  to  destroy  the 
bridge  across  the  South  branch  of  the  Shenandoah  river, 
where  it  met  a  large  force  of  the  enemy  and  a  disastrous 
battle  took  place.  The  Thirty-Ninth  was  ordered  there  but 
did  not  reach  the  place  in  time  to  take  part,  but  assisted 
in  taking  care  of  the  wounded,  numbering  one  hundred  or 
more. 

The  march  to  and  from  Fredericksburg  had  occupied 
some  three  weeks'  time,  and  we  had  covered  three  hundred 
and  sixty  miles  of  distance.  It  was  a  distressingly  long 
march  and  one  that  tried  the  patience  and  endurance  of  the 
men  beyond  anything  in  our  former  experience  as  soldiers, 
and  crippled  many. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Assigned  to  Keyes'  Corps — Terribly  Hot — Sickness — Sanitary  Commission 
— Outpost  Duty — Resignations — Company  H  Arrives — Terrific  Can 
nonading — Celestial  Picket — The  Grand  Retreat — Much  Suffering — 
Yorktown — Campaign  Lyric,  "The  Craven" — Proceed  to  Suffolk — 
Some  History — Hospital — Assistant  Surgeons  Crozier  and  Wood 
ward  Report — The  Sabbath — Expedition  to  the  Dismal  Swamp  and 
Blackwater — Aunt  Sally— The  News — Some  Reflections — Resignation 
of  Major  Munn — New  Year — How  Celebrated — Off  for  the  Chowan 
River — Incidents  of  the  March— George  Riddle  and  the  Pig — Take 
Transport  for  Newbern,  N.  C. — Arrival — Wreck  of  the  Ambulance — 
Palatial  Quarters — Receive  a  Flag  from  Governor  Yates— Join 
Foster's  Expedition — Sent  to  Morehead  City — Selecting  Transports 
— All  Aboard. 


TTTE  were  assigned  after  reaching  Harrison's  Landing  to 
the  corps  commanded  by  General  E.  L.  Keyes,  but 
were  yet  in  General  Peck's  Division,  and  General  O.  S.  Ferry 
commanded  our  brigade,  and  the  eminent  surgeon  Dr.  Frank 
H.  Hamilton  was  the  medical  director.  The  weather  for 
the  most  part  of  the  time  that  we  remained  at  this  place  was 
almost  unendurable,  the  temperature  often  reaching  102°  in 
the  shade.  The  dry  soil  was  so  destitute  of  all  moisture  that 
it  was  fissured  in  all  directions.  Many  of  the  camps  were 
destitute  of  all  shade;  the  water  scarce  and  totally  unfit  for 
use ;  innumerable  flies  by  day  destroyed  all  comfort  for  man 
and  beast,  and  myriads  of  mosquitoes  disturbed  sleep  at 
night.  Sickness  in  many  forms  was  widespread,  and  Death 
was  busy  reaping  a  rich  harvest  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
It  will  be  remembered  that  we  had  considerable  sickness  in 
the  regiment  but  lost  no  men  by  death  at  this  time.  A 
contract  assistant  surgeon,  Dr.  J.  H.  Strobridge,  a  Canadian, 

89 


90  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

had  been  assigned  to  duty  with  the  regiment  and  rendered 
very  efficient  service.  The  Sanitary  and  Christian  Commis 
sions  came  very  opportunely  to  our  aid  at  this  juncture, 
furnishing  abundance  of  ice  and  delicacies  for  the  sick,  and 
in  no  small  degree  contributing  to  their  comfort  and  return 
to  health.  The  Thirty-Ninth  for  the  most  part  was  put  on 
outpost  duty  at  the  front,  remaining  out  for  a  week  at  a 
time,  and  this  duty  was  much  more  desirable  than  remaining 
in  camp,  near  the  river. 

July  26th  Captain  W.  B.  Slaughter,  Company  G,  re 
signed  his  commission,  and  Lieutenant  Amos  Savage  was 
promoted  to  the  position.  Captains  Gray,  Company  C, 
Wilmarth,  Company  B,  and  Hooker,  of  Company  E,  had 
previously  resigned ;  also  Lieutenants  Holderman,  Company 
B,  and  Nicholson,  of  Company  K.  Adjutant  Frank  B. 
Marshall,  who  had  been  absent  from  the  regiment  for  a 
considerable  time  on  recruiting  service,  had  also  resigned, 
Sergeant-Major  Joseph  D.  Walker  being  promoted  to  fill  the 
vacancy.  Surgeon  S.  C.  Blake  had  resigned  June  3d,  Assist 
ant-Surgeon  C.  M.  Clark  being  promoted. 

Company  H,  Captain  Williams,  joined  the  regiment 
here,  together  with  recruits  for  other  companies,  on  or  about 
the  12th  of  July,  18(>2. 

August  9th  there  was  general  commotion  in  McClellan's 
army,  and  a  move  in  some  direction  seemed  imminent.  The 
gunboats  went  up  the  river  and  assailed  Fort  Darling,  and 
much  of  the  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry  were  in  motion, 
but  as  yet  we  had  received  no  orders.  The  "  celestial  picket" 
up  in  a  balloon,  anchored  near  McClellan's  headquarters, 
reported  the  enemy  advancing  and  estimated  to  be  some 
sixty  thousand  strong.  About  midnight  there  was  a  terrific 
cannonading.  The  whole  camp  was  roused  by  the  rapid 
bursting  of  shells  in  the  very  midst  of  our  encampment, 
which  produced,  as  can  be  imagined,  a  very  lively  commotion 
and  scattering,  in  a  closely  packed  camp  of  about  fifty 


MCCLELLAND  HEADQUARTERS. 


91 


•H 

!>'  » 
•S.5-  K 
p^H.  S 


3  n    o 
0.0 


ft! 

££  » 
p «  *> 

ill 


II 

III 

=ro     S 


? 


92  THIRTY-NINTH*  ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

thousand  men.  It  was  soon  discovered  that  the  shells  came 
from  a  battery  across  the  James  river.  In  twenty  minutes' 
time,  however,  a  few  of  our  guns  had  completely  silenced  it. 

Aside  from  the  large  amount  of  actual  sickness  in  Mc- 
Clellan's  army,  there  was  noticeable,  and  especially  among 
commissioned  officers,  a  large  amount  of  nostalgia,  or  home 
sickness.  Large  numbers  sent  in  their  resignations,  but  as 
a  rule  they  were  disapproved.  Many  feigned  sickness,  and 
one  instance  is  known  where  a  valiant  officer  hired  two  men 
to  carry  him  to  the  hospital  boat  on  a  stretcher,  and  he 
succeeded  in  getting  North  to  a  hospital.  The  camp  was  a 
harvest  for  the  sutlers.  These  vampires  charged  double 
prices  for  everything  they  sold,  and  nothing  was  sold  for  a 
less  price  than  ten  cents,  if  it  was  a  stick  of  candy. 

On  the  2d  of  August  Hooker's  brigade  moved  towards 
Malvern  Hill  and  attacked  the  enemy  near  Glendale,  and 
on  the  15th  the  army  was  in  bustle  and  confusion,  and  com 
menced  to  move  somewhere. 

August  16th  we  received  orders  to  march,  having  no  idea 
of  our  destination,  but  soon  found  out  that  we  were  the  tail- 
end  and  rear-guard  of  that  magnificent  army  that  a  month 
or  two  before  had  been  mobilized  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
Richmond;  and  now  it  was  ingloriously  retreating  to  York- 
town,  its  rear  protected  by  a  Western  brigade.  After  five 
days  of  weary  marching  under  the  fierce  rays  of  a  vertical 
sun,  and  through  clouds  of  pulverized  clay  that  rolled  so 
thickly  around  and  about  us  as  to  obscure  the  men  in  our 
rear,  and  was  almost  suffocating;  water  very  scarce,  and 
nothing  to  eat  but  dry  "  hard-tack  "and  the  few  straggling 
ears  of  corn  that  had  escaped  capture  by  the  preceding 
multitude;  having  to  sleep  shelterless,  and  awaking  in  the 
morning  to  find  our  blankets  and  clothing  saturated  with  the 
moisture  of  the  heavy  falling  dews,  we  reached  the  vicinity 
of  Yorktown  and  encamped  on  ground  made  historic  by  the 


"  THE   CRAVEN."  93 

early  struggles  of  our  [Revolutionary  fathers  for  that  freedom 
and  that  country  that  we  are  now  striving  to  perpetuate. 

Before  leaving  Harrison's  Landing,  there  came  into  our 
possession  in  some  manner  a  specimen  of  camp  poetry,  a 
paraphrase  on  "  Poe's  Raven,"  and  penned  evidently  by 
some  one  who  was  no  admirer  of  McClellan.  It  is  repro 
duced  here,  not  because  we  endorse  its  sentiments,  but  as  a 
fair  specimen  of  a  campaign  lyric. 

"  THE    CRAVEN." 
On  that  mighty  day  of  battle,  'mid  the  booming  and  the  rattle, 

Shouts  of  victory  and  of  anguish,  wherewith  Malvern's  Hill  did  roar, 
Did  a  General,  now  quite  f ameless,  who  in  these  lines  shall  be  nameless, 
Show  himself  as  rather  gameless,  gameless  on  the  James'  shore? 
'Safely  smoking  on  a  gunboat,  while  the  tempest  raged  on  shore — 
Only  this,  and  nothing  more. 

The  congressional  committee,  sat  within  the  Nation's  city, 

And  each  Congressman  so  witty,  did  the  General  implore: 

"  Tell  us  if  thou,  at  that  battle,  'mid  the  booming  and  the  rattle, 
Was  on  gunboat  or  in  saddle,  while  the  tempest  rag'd  ashore?" 
Answer'd  he:  "I  don't  remember;  might  have  been." — What  more? 
Only  this,  and  nothing  more. 

"  By  the  truth  which  is  eternal,  by  the  lies  that  are  diurnal, 

By  our  Abraham  paternal,  General,  we  thee  implore, 
Tell  the  truth  and  shame  the  devil,  parent  of  old  Jeff  and  evil — 

Give  us  no  more  of  such  drivel — Tell  us,  wert  thou  on  the  shore?" 
"Don't  remember;  might  have  been." — Thus  spake  he  o'er  and  o'er, 
Only  this,  and  nothing  more. 

"  On  that  day,  Sir,  had  you  seen  a  gunboat  of  the  name  Galena, 

In  an  anchorage  to  screen  a  man  from  danger  on  the  shore? 
Was  a  man  about  your  inches,  smoking  with  those  two  French  Princes, 
With  a  caution  which  evinces  care  for  such  a  '  garde  de  corps  '— 
Were  you  that  man  on  the  gunboat?"     "Don't  remember;  might  have 
been."     "The  bore!" 

Only  this,  and  nothing  more. 

We  remained  at  Yorktown,  pleasantly  encamped  near 
the  waters  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  until  August  30th,  when 
orders  came  to  march ;  and  the  prevailing  opinion  seemed  to 
be  that  we  were  destined  again  to  the  valley  of  Virginia  to 
co-operate  with  General  Pope's  army,  as  it  was  reported 


94 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


ORDERED    TO  SUFFOLK,    VA.  95 

that  the  enemy  were  endeavoring  to  cross  the  Potomac  into 
Maryland. 

We  were,  however,  to  proceed  in  another  direction. 
We  marched  to  Fort  Monroe  and  there  took  transport  across 
to  the  Nansemond  river,  up  which  we  proceeded  to  Suffolk, 
Va.,  reaching  there  September  3,  1862,  and  made  encamp 
ment  just  outside  the  town. 

Suffolk  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  Nansemond  river, 
which  is  navigable  to  this  place.  Before  the  war  it  had  a 
population  of  sixteen  hundred,  the  majority  of  whom  were 
slaves.  The  great  Dismal  Swamp  stretches  out  from  its 
eastern,  and  southern  boundaries,  connected  with  the  town 
by  canal.  Suffolk  was  burned  during  the  ^Revolutionary 
war,  but  was  again  rebuilt,  and  its  appearance  was  quite 
pleasing  and  decidedly  antique  or  ancient.  The  few  fami 
lies  left  in  town  were  or  had  been  wealthy,  and  those  who 
found  entree  met  excellent  society.  The  female  portion  were 
very  shy  and  retiring,  however,  and  on  the  approach  of  a 
Union  soldier  plainly  showed  how  distasteful  and  unwelcome 
he  was. 

The  regimental  hospital  was  located  in  the  town  for  the 
better  accommodation  of  the  sick,  having  selected  a  large 
two-story  structure  which  proved  admirably  adapted  for  the 
purpose.  On  or  about  the  9th  of  September  two  assistant 
surgeons  reported  from  the  state  of  Illinois,  having  been 
assigned  to  the  Thirty-Ninth.  They  were  Doctor  James 
Crozier,  first  assistant,  and  William  Woodward,  second 
assistant.  Doctor  Strobridge  still  remained  with  us,  and  for 
the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  regiment  we  had  more 
than  the  necessary  supply  of  what  the  men  facetiously 
termed  "pill  shooters."  Lieutenant- Colon  el  Mann  returned 
from  a  "  leave  of  absence  "  that  he  had  received  at  Harrison's 
Landing,  about  this  time,  bringing  with  him  his  bride,  and 
inducted  her  into  the  mysteries  of  "  camping  out." 

The  first  Sabbath  spent  at  Suffolk  was  ushered  in  with 


96-  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

a  peal  of  church  bells  which  we,  for  a  long,  long  time,  had 
been  strangers  to.  Sunday,  in  our  "calendar,"  was  the  day 
when  all  marches  were  commenced,  and  battles  fought,  and 
we  had  grown  to  consider  it  as  the  most  exacting  day  of  the 
week.  In  all  our  previous  history,  and  on  an  active  campaign, 
there  was  nothing  to  herald  its  approach,  and  absolutely 
nothing  to  distinguish  it  from  the  other  days,  except  perhaps 
the  feeble  workings  of  a  conscience,  and,  at  remarkably  long 


ON  PICKET. 

intervals,   the  announcement  that  the  chaplain  had  arrived 
and  would  hold  service. 

In  the  early  part  of  September  a  reconnoissance  in 
force  was  made  around  the  Dismal  Swamp,  but  for  some 
reason  it  was  recalled  before  having  accomplished  the  mis 
sion  it  had  started  upon.  The  Thirty-Ninth  was  kept  busy 
in  cutting  timber,  throwing  up  intreiichments  and  forts,  and 
occasionally  participating  in  expeditions  out  to  the  Black- 
water  river,  eighteen  miles  distant,  where  there  was  quite  a 
force  of  the  enemy.  On  one  of  these  reconnoissances  the 


EXPEDITION   TO   BLACKWATER  RIVER.  97 

Thirty-Ninth  had  a  lively  brush  with  the  enemy,  capturing 
two  pieces  of  artillery  and  forty  prisoners,  without  the  loss 
of  a  man. 

Many  of  the  veterans  will  remember  "Aunt  Sally,"  a 
tall,  angular  negress,  a  familiar  character  about  the  camp 
and  hospital,  full  of  -her  oddities  and  pranks,  coming  daily 
with  milk,  eggs,  chickens  and  oysters  to  sell.  She  was  a 
most  singular  person,  possessing  a  great  deal  of  assurance 
as  well  as  impudence  and  a  wonderful  amount  of  lip.  She 
stuttered  and  stammered  badly,  and  was  exceedingly  sensi 
tive  in  regard  to  this  defect — so  much  so,  that  the  least 
appearance  of  mocking  at  it  would  render  her  furious,  and 
then  she  could  hardly  articulate  intelligibly  at  all.  Every 
morning  she  would  come  ambling  and  shuffling  along  the 
street  with  a  milk  pitcher  perched  on  the  top  of  her  woolly 
head,  and  with  pails  or  baskets  swinging  from  her  arms,  and 
singing  "We'll  be  gay  and  happy  still!"  in  a  voice  that 
would  do  credit  to  a  "Stentor;"  and  if  the  music  at  guard 
mount  was  sounding,  she  would  stop  to  execute  a  "  pas  de 
seul "  to  the  infinite  amusement  of  the  bystanders. 
"  M-m-mawning,  boss!  want  s-s-s-s-ome  f-f-f-ine  ostahs  or 
c-c-chickuns  foh  yo'  s-s-sick,  dis  m-m-mawnin?"  Poor  old 
Aunt  Sally!  we  wonder  if  you  survived  "  de  wah." 

The  New  York  papers  were  received  daily  via  Norfolk, 
and  the  war  news  was  scanned  with  the  utmost  interest.  At 
this  date  (September  13th,  1862,)  the  news  is  most  dis 
couraging  from  all  points.  In  the  whole  of  the  past  year's 
campaign  nothing  has  been  satisfactorily  accomplished.  The 
rebels  have  driven  our  armies  back  and  back  until  the  Union 
forces  occupy  but  a  very  small  portion  of  their  territory,  and 
what  is  still  more  humiliating  and  shameful,  they  have  invaded 
our  border  and  bid  fair  to  make  good  their  threat  of  dictat 
ing  their  own  terms  of  settlement.  The  policy  of  our  leaders 
seems  to  be  to  wait  while  the  rebels  win,  and  the  frequent 
mistakes  of  our  generals  are  taken  advantage  of  and  turned 


98  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

to  good  account.  While  we  are  planning,  they  are  boldly 
executing.  Their  army,  inferior  as  it  is  in  numbers,  poorly 
fed  and  badly  clothed,  has  a  vigor  and  determination  that 
makes  us  tremble,  and  troubles  us  everywhere. 

The  people  of  the  North  never  properly  appreciated  the 
magnitude  of  the  rebellion;  they  have  always  undervalued 
the  resources  of  the  South,  and  have  consoled  themselves 
with  the  idea  that  there  was  no  possibility  of  failure.  Our 
armies  can  never  be  victorious  until  the  whole  North,  laying 
aside  all  party  prejudices  and  the  "irrepressible  nigger 
question,"  unites  as  one  man,  and  with  unity  of  purpose 
proceeds  to  the  work  of  speedily  vindicating  the  "  old  flag  " 
and  reestablishing  the  only  government  worth  living  for. 

The  regiment  lost  two  men  at  Suffolk — one  killed  by 
being  struck  by  a  falling  tree  while  at  work  with  his  com 
rades  in  felling  timber  for  use  in  constructing  redoubts ;  the 
other  dying  from  typhoid  fever.  The  work  devolving  upon 
the  soldiers  at  this  post  was  immense,  and  very  seldom  was 
there  a  day  that  could  be  devoted  to  rest  or  amusement,  for 
when  not  engaged  in  work  011  the  intrenchments  and  forts, 
there  was  sure  to  be  an  alarm  from  the  advance-guard  of  the 
enemy's  approach,  and  the  men  held  in  constant  readiness  for 
defense. 

About  the  1st  of  December,  Major  S.  W.  Munn  resigned 
from  the  service  by  reason  of  poor  health,  Captain  S.  S. 
Linton  being  promoted  to  the  position.  At  the  same  time 
Colonel  Osborn  was  granted  "leave  of  absence"  and  pro 
ceeded  home  to  Chicago.  New  Year's  Day  came  in  bright 
and  beautiful,  and  the  officers  of  the  division  celebrated  it 
by  taking  a  gallop  through  town  in  force,  led  by  Colonel  E. 
S.  Foster,  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volunteers.  Later  in 
the  day  there  was  prepared  a  grand  dinner,  and  in  the  even 
ing  a  dance,  with  a  sufficient  number  of  ladies  to  make  it- 
interesting. 


MARCH   TO    CHOW  AN  RIVER.  99 

The  mean  strength  of  the  regiment  at  this  time  was — 
officers,  thirty-seven ;  enlisted  men,  seven  hundred  and  thirty. 

January  3d,  1863,  it  became  noised  around  that  orders 
had  been  received  to  prepare  for  a  march  and  change  of  base, 
and  such  proved  to  be  the  case;  and  on  January  5th,  after 
the  usual  turning  over  of  camp  and  garrison  equipage  and 
the  cutting  down  of  the  means  of  transportation,  our  division 
moved  out  for  the  Chowan  river,  seventy-five  miles  distant. 


THE  SUTLEKS. 

The  weather  was  fine  and  the  spirits  of  the  men  fresh  and 
elastic.  During  the  first  day's  march  the  advance  of  our 
column  encountered  a  small  body  of  rebel  cavalry  that  occa 
sioned  a  slight  detention.  On  the  second  day  the  novelty 
of  the  change  had  considerably  worn  off,  and  there  was  a 
little  more  straggling  and  weariness.  During  a  halt  in  the 
afternoon,  just  over  the  state  line  in  North  Carolina,  a  negro 
was  discovered  crouching  in  a  fence  corner  and  apparently 
badly  frightened.  The  soldiers  in  the  vicinity,  in  the  spirit 


100  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  mischief,  ordered  him  to  "come  out  of  that!"  which  he 
immediately  did,  badly  demoralized  by  fear.  "  Strip  off  that 
coat!"  "  Now  take  off  your  vest!"  "  Skin  off  that  shirt!  " 
all  of  which  commands  were  readily  obeyed;  and  had  not 
the  order  to  "fall  in"  sounded  just  then,  there  is  no  telling 
what  else  he  would  have  been  ordered  to  do.  He  soon 
mastered  all  his  fear  and  seemed  to  relish  the  fun  at  his 
expense,  and  finally  consented  to  come  along  as  servant  to 
one  of  the  company  officers.  Large  numbers  of  carts,  mules 
and  horses  were  gathered  in  by  the  men  on  this  march,  and 
before  reaching  our  destination  nearly  every  company  pos 
sessed  a  mule  and  cart,  which  was  utilized  to  carry  knap 
sacks  and  blankets.  It  was  no  uncommon  sight  to  see 
soldiers  mounted  on  mules  and  horses,  and  they,  to  accom 
modate  their  less  fortunate  comrades,  would  consent  to  take 
their  shelter  tents,  canteens,  knapsacks,  etc.,  until  there  was 
place  for  no  more,  and  the  appearance  presented  was  most 
ludicrous.  They  called  themselves  "  Mounted  infantry." 
This  sport  did  not  continue  for  any  great  length  of  time,  for 
when  the  matter  reached  the  notice  of  the  commander,  each 
horse,  mule  and  cart  was  turned  over  to  the  owner,  who  in 
most  instances  had  followed  on  after  them. 

Tobacco  raising  and  manufacturing  seemed  to  be  the 
leading  industry  of  this  section  of  country,  and  we  came 
across  large  quantities  of  it  in  all  shapes.  On  one  plantation 
a  large  barn  near  the  road  we  were  following  was  found  well 
stocked,  and  by  order  of  the  General  commanding,  many 
hogsheads,  casks  and  boxes  of  it  were  rolled  down  to  the 
roadside,  the  heads  of  the  casks  broken  in,  and  the  boys 
were  permitted  to  help  themselves,  which  they  did  without 
much  ceremony,  although  they  were  not  allowed  to  stop;  but 
it  was  grab  and  march  on.  Some  were  content  with  a  twist 
or  two  of  the  natural  leaf  for  smoking  and  a  plug  or  so  for 
chewing,  but  there  were  others  so  avaricious  that  they  grabbed 
and  scrambled  for  all  they  could  carry,  and  were  then  sorry 


BAND   BOYS  FORAGING.  101 

that  they  could  not  take  it  all.  Many  were  afterwards  seen 
with  at  least  fifteen  or  twenty  pounds  of  plug  tobacco  in 
their  arms  or  slung  to  their  backs,  while  their  haversacks 
and  pockets  were  bulging  with  "hunks"  of  the  natural  leaf. 
The  day  was  decidedly  warm,  and  as  mile  after  mile  was 
told  off  you  could  notice  that  those  very  greedy  chaps,  who 
were  scrambling  and  almost  fighting  for  the  lion's  share, 
were  eager  to  lighten  their  load  by  giving  it  away  to  who 
ever  wanted  it,  and  many  were  glad  to  throw  it  all  away 
before  the  bivouac  was  reached.  It  was  most  excellent 
tobacco,  and  it  seemed  a  sin  and  a  shame  to  have  it  so  wan 
tonly  wasted. 


BAND  BOYS  FOBAGING. 

The  country  through  which  we  were  passing  furnished 
excellent  advantages  for  foraging,  and  men  were  specially 
detailed  for  the  purpose  from  each  company;  besides,  there 
were  those  who  went  off  on  their  individual  responsibility. 
The  members  of  the  band  had  become  experts,  and  some  will 
remember  that  on  one  occasion  during  this  march  they  cap 
tured  a  young  pig,  and  in  order  to  bring  it  along  secure  from 
notice  they  placed  it  inside  the  big  drum  and  thus  brought 
it  to  the  night  camp. 

Orders  were  usually   very   strict  regarding  individual 


102  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

and  indiscriminate  foraging,  nevertheless  men  would  take  the 
chances.  George  Riddle  of  Company  I  tells  a  little  of  his 
experience  while  on  this  march.  He  says:  "  One  day  when 
we  had  halted  for  dinner,  a  comrade  and  myself  left  the 
ranks  and  started  out  to  look  for  a  little  change  of  diet  for 
supper.  We  soon  found  a  little  sandy  shoat,  and  my  com 
rade  had  just  "stuck"  it,  when,  looking  up  the  road,  we  saw 
General  '  Sandy '  Foster,  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volun 
teers,  coming.  My  comrade  ran  away,  but  I  held  on  to  the 
pig,  and  had  it  by  the  throat  as  the  General  came  up  and 
said  '  What  are  you  doing  with  that  pig  ? '  I  told  him  that 
that  fellow  running  yonder  had  cut  its  throat  and  I  was  try 
ing  to  stop  the  blood  from  staining  its  bristles.  He  looked 
at  me  a  moment  quite  sharply,  and  then  asked,  'What 
regiment  do  you  belong  to?1  'Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,'  I 
answered.  '  Well,'  said  he,  '  the  blood  will  be  d — d  apt  to 
stop  by  the  time  a  "Sucker"  gets  through  with  it;  but  don't 
you  let  anybody  see  you  with  that  pig,  or  you  may  get  into 
trouble;  and,'  he  continued,  'you'll  know  where  to  find  my 
quarters  to-night,  won't  you?'  ' 

The  afternoon  of  January  8th  we  reached  the  Chowan 
river,  where  preparations  were  made  to  embark  on  transports 
for  Newberii,  N.  C.,  which  was  reached  the  following  morn 
ing,  January  9th.  We  were  now  in  the  Department  com 
manded  by  General  A.  J.  Foster.  Colonel  Osborn  was 
placed  in  temporary  command  of  the  brigade  here.  We 
were  sent  some  three  miles  out  of  the  city  to  make  encamp 
ment,  and  selected  a  timber  grove  after  removing  the  dense 
undergrowth.  While  located  here,  and  during  a  sudden 
and  violent  storm  of  wind  and  rain,  a  tree  was  blown  down 
which  badly  wrecked  an  ambulance  in  its  fall,  crushing  the 
medicine  chest  and  hospital  knapsack,  but  doing  no  further 
damage. 

The  men  were  supplied  with  the  small  A  or  button  tent, 
often  called  the  "  dog  tent"  at  this  time,  no  other  tents  being 


RECEIVE  A    FLAG    FROM  GOV.   YATES.  1Q3 

furnished  except  for  hospital  use.  Many  of  the  officers 
found  accommodations  for  meals  and  for  sleeping  in  the 
neighboring  houses.  One  plantation  house  was  quite  near 
our  camp  and  was  occupied  by  a  family  of  the  poorer  class, 
who  stated  that  they  had  been  left  in  charge  by  the  owner, 
who  had  removed  with  his  family  when  Newberii  was  first 
occupied  by  Union  soldiers.  The  house  was  beautifully 
furnished  throughout,  and  here  it  was  that  a  few  of  us  got 
accommodations  that  were  quite  home-like.  A  grand  piano 
had  been  left  behind,  and  with  the  musical  talent  that  we 
had  with  us,  quite  entertaining  and  sicell  concerts  were 
given. 

While  at  Newbern,  the  regiment  received  an  elegant 
flag  from  Governor  Richard  Yates  of  Illinois,  bearing  his 
portrait,  and  on  the  day  of  its  reception,  at  the  hour  of 
"dress  parade,"  it  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  "color 
guard  "  with  appropriate  ceremonies.  Short  speeches  were 
made  by  several  of  the  officers,  the  sum  and  substance  being, 
"  Never  submit  to  its  dishonor  or  permit  its  capture  by  the 
enemy!"  The  history  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  shows 
how  well  it  was  guarded  and  cared  for  by  the  many  brave 
men  who  have  constituted  the  "color  guard"  during  the 
long  and  bloody  years  they  were  called  upon  to  sustain  it. 
Fully  two-thirds  of  the  guard  who  first  received  the  flag 
were  killed  while  supporting  it  at  the  battles  of  Drury's 
Bluff,  Hatcher's  Run,  and  Darbytown  Cross  Roads,  and  it 
with  the  other  colors  of  the  regiment  was  honorably  and 
proudly  borne  back  to  the  "muster-out "  at  the  capital  of  the 
State  in  December,  1865,  their  folds  scarred  and  rent  with 
rifle  balls,  but  covered  all  over  with  glory.  The  archives  of 
the  State  contain  no  better  symbols  of  the  bravery  and 
devotion  of  her  sons  than  the  banners  of  the  "Yates 
Phalanx." 

On  the  18th  day  of  January  it  became  known  that  we 
were  to  be   sent   into   South   Carolina,  and   everything  was 


104  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

made  in  readiness  for  the  trip — wives  of  officers  were  sent 
home,  horses,  wagons,  and  ambulances  turned  in  to  the  Post 
Quartermaster,  and  the  sick  and  disabled  of  the  command 
sent  to  general  hospital.  On  the  20th  we  took  the  cars 
for  Morehead  City,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles,  where  we 
were  to  embark  for  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.  The  harbor  was 
full  of  shipping  of  all  kinds  and  descriptions,  and  we  were 
granted  permission  to  select  our  vessels.  A  small  side- 
wheel  steamer  was  at  first  pointed  out  to  us  as  one  of  our 
vessels,  but  on  inspection  by  the  Colonel  and  Surgeon  it  was 
found  to  be  unseaworthy,  and  besides,  would  not  accommo 
date  one-half  the  regiment. 

We  next  visited  a  craft  lying  near  the  opposite  shore,  a 
two-masted  propeller.  We  reached  her  in  due  course  of 
time  by  small  boat,  but  soon  condemned  it,  for  on  descend 
ing  into  the  hold  we  found  her  timbers  rotten,  and  the  clap- 
boarding  of  her  upper  deck  (could  not  be  dignified  by  any 
other  name)  in  a  most  shameful  condition;  the  seams  being 
wide  open,  and  in  many  places  could  look  through  the  inter 
spaces  in  her  siding  and  view  the  city  beyond.  We  finally 
took  up  with  two  small  propellers  that  were  seaworthy,  and 
a  small  schooner  to  carry  our  baggage  and  horses.  These 
vessels  were  soon  brought  to  the  wharf  and  Companies  A  to 
E,  together  with  a  portion  of  the  field  and  staff  and  the 
band,  embarked  on  the  "General  Meigs,"  Captain  Watson. 
The  other  companies  of  the  regiment  went  on  board  the 
"City  of  Bath"  and  the  schooner  "Skirmisher,"  and 
towards  evening  we  started  out  as  a  part  of  the  Foster 
Expedition  for  South  Carolina,  the  State  that  first  inaugu 
rated  the  Kebellion. 


CHAPTEE    IX. 


Pass  Fort  McAllister — Storm  at  Sea — Paying  Toll  to  Neptune — Cleaning 
up — Fishing— Taking  Account  of  Stock— Generals  Foster  and  Hun 
ter  Do  Not  Agree — Land  on  St.  Helena  Island— Make  Camp — The 
Ballad  of  Paris  Island — Dress  and  Discipline— Hilton  Head — "Ain't 
You  Going  to  Kiss  Me,  Hass,  Before  You  Go?  "—Beaufort — Mrs. 
General  Lander — The  Negroes — Fishing — Ordered  to  Folly  Island — 
View  the  Enemy — Take  Possession  of  Folly  Island — Feeling  Our 
Way  up  to  the  Front— Descriptive — The  Bombardment  of  Fort  Sum- 
ter  by  the  Ironclads — Making  Camp — General  Vogdes — Lankinaw 
and  the  General — Busy  Throwing  up  Intrenchments — Relieve  the  One 
Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers — The  Rebels  Celebrate — Fooling 
with  a  Loaded  Shell — First  Maryland  Cavalry — Paymasters  Arrive — 
The  Sutler— Some  of  his  Experiences — Visit  the  "Ironsides" — News 
from  Rebel  Sources— Trading  with  the  Enemy — The  Blockade  Run 
ner  "  Ruby  "—An  Expedition  to  it— The  Results — Doctor  Woodward 
Makes  the  Trip  and  Vogdes  Disciplines  Him. 


passed  Fort  McAllister  at  sundown  and  were  soon 
on  the  billows  of  the  broad  Atlantic.  The  storm  that 
had  been  brewing  since  early  morning  now  broke  in  all  its 
fury,  and  we  got  more  than  a  taste  of  old  Ocean  in  one  of  its 
tragic  moods.  The  storm  increased  in  violence,  and  the 
vessel  labored  heavily  in  its  passage  through  the  heavy  seas. 
Fully  two-thirds  of  the  officers  and  men  were  settling  up 
accounts  with  "  Neptune,"  with  a  large  balance  in  his  favor, 
and  felt  most  thoroughly  depleted  and  disconsolate.  The 
few  officers  who  kept  their  "sea  legs"  and  a  clear  head,  en 
gaged  in  games  of  whist  and  euchre  in  the  captain's  saloon, 
and  in  this  way  passed  the  night;  and  a  most  protracted  and 
gloomy  night  it  was,  the  rolling  and  pitching  of  the  vessel 
often  capsizing  us  from  our  chairs,  and  it  did  seem  at  times 
as  if  the  vessel  itself  would  roll  over.  At  last  the  welcome 

105 


106  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

morning  dawned,  and  as  the  sun  arose,  the  wind  and  waves 
abated,  yet  the  long  and  heavy  swells  of  water  kept  large 
numbers  on  the  sick  list.  At  inspection  in  the  morning  the 
hold  of  the  vessel  was  found  to  be  in  a  most  foul  and  filthy 
condition.  The  men  were  ordered  on  deck  and  the  ship's  crew 
with  hose  and  brooms  were  put  to  work  cleaning.  During 
the  afternoon  the  sea  became  as  smooth  as  a  mirror  and  the 
many  seasick  soldiers  came  from  their  beds  into 'the  fresh 
and  bracing  sea  air  for  enjoyment.  Some  got  out  their  fish 
ing  tackle,  others  baited  for  sharks,  of  which  we  saw  numbers, 
and  all  found  pleasure  in  watching  the  antics  of  the  por 
poises  and  the  gulls. 

While  we  are  at  sea  it  may  be  well  to  take  an  "  account 
of  stock,"  as  it  were,  and  find  out  what  the  condition  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth  then  was.  We  had  been  in  the  United  States 
service  one  year,  three  months  and  ten  days  up  to  the  22d  of 
January,  1863.  We  left  Chicago  with  eight  hundred  and 
six  officers  and  enlisted  men,  October  llth,  1861.  In  the 
meantime  we  had  received  147  recruits,  including  Company 
H,  which  joined  us  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Ya., — making  a 
total  of  953.  From  this  number  19  officers  have  resigned 
their  commissions;  2  officers  have  been  dismissed  the 
service;  1  officer  has  died;  32  men  have  been  left  behind  on 
marches;  39  men  have  deserted;  31  men  have  been  sent  to 
general  hospital;  38  men  have  been  discharged  the  service 
from  general  hospital;  18  men  have  died, — leaving  us  767 
officers  and  men  for  active  service  in  the  new  field  to  which 
we'  are  hastening. 

We  reached  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  early  in  the  morning 
of  January  22d,  and  lay  in  the  harbor  for  several  hours, 
awaiting,  as  we  afterwards  learned,  the  settlement  of  some 
difficulty  between  Generals  Foster  and  Hunter,  the  latter  of 
whom  was  in  command  of  the  Department  of  South  Carolina. 

Without  going  into  the  details  of  their  controversy 
concerning  rank  and  position,  which  in  itself  is  not  perti- 


BALLAD    OF  PARIS   ISLAND.  107 

nent  to  this  history,  but  which  was  of  prime  interest  to  the 
two  generals,  we  take  up  the  clew  of  our  personal  history 
again.  During  the  afternoon  we  were  sent  clown  to  a  landing 
place  on  St.  Helena  Island,  where  the  men  disembarked. 
The  schooner  carrying  our  baggage  and  live  stock  could  not 
reach  the  improvised  pier  during  flood  tide,  and  our  horses 
were  pushed  overboard  and  made  to  swim  ashore,  which  they 
did  in  gallant  style,  and  were  fully  as  glad  as  ourselves  in 
reaching  terra  firma  once  more. 

We  bivouacked  for  the  night;  but  the  following  day 
had  quarters  assigned  to  us  about  one  mile  from  the  river, 
and  as  all  our  equipage  for  camp  and  garrison  had  followed 
us,  we  soon  had  all  our  tents  pitched  and  camp  furniture  in 
place. 

General  O.  S.  Ferry  remained  as  our  division  general, 
and  Dr.  Sol.  Van  Etten  the  division  surgeon.  General 
Hunter  commanded  the  department;  Surgeon  Crane,  U.  S. 
A.,  was  medical  director,  and  Dr.  J.  J.  Craven  the  medical 
purveyor,  and  attached  to  Hunter's  command  was  General 
Charles  Halpine,  otherwise  known  as  "  Miles  O'Keilly,"  who 
was  not  only  a  wit  but  a  poet  of  no  mean  order. 

While  we  were  stationed  on  St.  Helena  Island  some 
soldiers  from  General  Nagle's  command  made  a  foray  on 
Paris  Island  and  killed  a  bull,  the  only  one  on  the  island, 
and  its  owner  came  to  the  headquarters  of  General  Hunter 
sadly  lamenting  his  loss.  The  occasion  inspired  General 
Halpine  to  issue  the  following: 

"BALLAD   OF    PARIS   ISLAND." 

Dear  General  H ,  my  heart  is  full, 

Lamenting  for  my  butchered  bull: — 
The  only  bull  our  Island  had, 
And  all  my  widowed  cows  are  sad. 

With  briny  tears  and  drooping  tails, 
With  loud  boo-hoos  and  bovine  wails, 
My  cows  lament  with  wifely  zeal 
Their  perished  hopes  of  future  veal. 


108  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Sad  is  the  wail  of  human  wife 
To  see  her  partner  snatched  from  life: 
But  he — the  husband  of  a  score — 
For  him  the  grief  is  more  and  more! 

No  future  hope  of  golden  cream! 
Even  milk  in  tea  becomes  a  dream: — 
Whey,  bonny-clabber,  curds  and  cheese 
Are  now,  ah,  me!  mere  idle  words! 

The  cruel  soldiers,  fierce  and  full 
Of  reckless  wrath,  have  shot  my  bull; 
The  stateliest  bull — let  scoffers  laugh — 
That  e'er  was  "father  "  called  by  calf  ! 

A  bull  as  noble,  firm  and  fair 
As  that  which  aide.d  Jove  to  bear 
Europa  from  the  flowery  glade 
Where  she  amidst  her  maidens  played. 

Dear  General  H ,  accept  my  vows, 

And  oh!  take  pity  on  my  cows, — 
With  whom,  bereft  of  wifely  ties, 
All  tender  hearts  must  sympathize. 

Quick  to  Van  Vliet  your  order  send 
(By  Smith's  congenial  spirit  penned) 
And  order  him  in  language  full, 
At  once  to  send  me  down  a  bull: — 

If  possible,  a  youthful  beast, 
With  warm  affections  yet  unplaced, 
Who  to  my  widowed  cows  may  prove 
A  husband  of  enduring  love. 

Great  attention  was  paid  to  the  matters  of  drill  and 
discipline  while  located  on  this  island,  the  whole  regiment 
being  exercised  twice  daily  in  field  evolutions  and  the 
manual  of  arms.  Two  hours  of  the  morning  were  spent  in 
company  drill,  and  the  same  length  of  time  in  the  afternoon 
was  devoted  to  battalion  exercises.  Great  proficiency  was 
attained  in  this  manner,  and  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
regiment  enjoyed  the  proud  satisfaction  of  being  reported  at 
department  headquarters  by  an  experienced  U.  S.  General 
Inspector  as  the  best  drilled  and  disciplined  regiment  in  the 
Department  of  the  South. 


MRS.  GENERAL   LANDER. 

The  leisure  hours  that  were  at  our  disposal,  and  when 
permission  could  be  obtained,  were  spent  in  making  excur 
sions  to  Hilton  Head  or  the  surrounding  islands.  Hilton 
Head  Island,  the  headquarters  of  General  Hunter,  was  at 
this  time  quite  a  city  in  a  business  aspect  if  in  no  other. 
The  general  hospital  was  located  here,  together  with  the 
quartermaster's  and  commissary's  depot,  and  the  medical 
purveyor's  store;  and  besides,  there  were  scores  of  traders 
in  all  sorts  of  merchandise  who  had  built  large  structures 
for  containing  and  bartering  goods.  Several  photographic 
galleries  were  in  full  operation  and  abundantly  patronized. 
One  in  particular  was  conducted  by  a  German  by  name  of 
Hass,  and  some  of  us  will  remember  the  name  distinctly  for 
the  reason  that  we  reached  his  gallery  just  at  a  period  when 
he  was  about  sailing  for  New  York  on  the  steam-ship 
"  Arago,"  to  replenish  his  chemicals  and  other  stocks.  He 
was  a  burly  and  phlegmatic  Teuton,  and  was  slipping  away 
without  saying  *' good-bye"  to  his  wife,  who  called  out  to 
him  in  sorrowful  tones,  "  A'int  you  going  to  kiss  me,  Hass, 
before  you  go?"  The  old  chap,  when  thus  reminded, 
removed  the  pipe  from  his  lips  and  said,  "It  ish  no  time 
to  sthop  fooling  now.  I  musht  get  apoard  as  quick  as  never 
I  can.  Yait  'till  I  gets  back,  my  dear!  !  "  and  off  he  went  in 
an  excited  flurry,  under  the  mid-day  sun  and  through  the 
sand,  to  get  "  apoard  mit  the  steamer." 

Sometimes  a  trip  was  made  up  Broad  river  to  Beaufort 
where  the  Sanitary  and  Christian  Commissions  had  head 
quarters.  This  place  was  also  the  location  of  the  "  Freed- 
men's  Bureau,"  and  there  were  two  or  three  hospitals,  one 
of  which  was  under  the  matronship  of  Mrs.  General  F.  W. 
Lander — more  generally  known  as  Julia  Davenport,  the 
actress. 

In  passing,  this  estimable  lady  is  worthy  of  a  more 
extended  tribute  for  her  disinterested  devotion  and  care  of 
the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  under  her  charge  at  not  only 


HO  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

this  place,  but  at  all  other  points  where  her  sympathy  or 
hand  could  reach  them.  It  was  our  privilege  to  have  the 
personal  acquaintance  of  this  lady,  for  she  frequently  visited 
the  various  troops  in  the  department,  and  our  regiment,  at 
one  time  under  the  command  of  her  brave  husband,  enter 
tained  the  greatest  respect  for  one  so  lately  bereaved  and 
who  still  in  her  widow's  weeds  remained  within  the  circle  of 
the  army,  giving  time,  money  and  patience  and  the  attributes 
of  a  sympathetic  nature  to  the  care  of  disabled  men. 
Whatever  laurels  Mrs.  Lander  may  achieve  before  the  foot 
lights  as  a  tragedienne  will  never  be  brighter,  fresher,  or 
greener  than  those  won  in  hospital  service  on  a  more  tragic 
stage — the  bloody  fields  of  the  great  strife  for  National 
existence. 

At  other  times  we  would  gratify  our  passion  for  fishing 
and  hunting  by  proceeding  up  the  island  to  a  large  planta 
tion  house  which  had  been  turned  over  to  the  Freedmen's 
Bureau  and  the  plantation  worked  by  giving  a  certain 
percentage  on  the  sale  of  products  to  the  negro,  or  else 
paying  him  or  her  so  much  a  day  for  labor.  There  was  a 
school  established  there,  but  we  were  never  fully  satisfied 
that  the  negroes  appreciated  their  advantages.  The  negroes 
on  this  and  adjoining  islands  were  the  most  obtuse  and 
thick-headed  that  we  came  in  contact  with.  They  came 
regularly  to  camp  each  morning  with  something  for  sale — 
sweet  potatoes,  oysters,  clams,  shrimps,  etc.,  and  such  gibber 
ish,  such  unintelligible  mutterings  were  never  heard  before. 
We  might  as  well  have  attempted  the  translation  of  the 
" Congo"  dialect  as  try  to  understand  the  "lingo"  of  these 
"  mokes  "  of  both  sexes.  It  must  be  confessed  that  we  had 
had  some  respect  for  the  negro  as  we  had  seen  him  in 
Virginia  and  at  home,  but  here,  there  was  nothing  but 
approximation  to  the  monkey  tribe,  and  to  call  the  thick- 
lipped,  monkey-faced  negro  with  his  gibberish,  a  fellow 
^'well  met"  on  all  occasions  was  more  than  could  be  expected. 


EXPEDITION  TO  FOLLY  ISLAND.  \\\ 

At  the  plantation  house  before  mentioned,  we  would 
secure  a  boat  and  a  guide  and  sail  down  the  inlet  to  the  sea. 
On  the  way  and  while  passing  through  the  rice  swamps  we 
often  found  wild  ducks  and  reed  birds  for  our  sport,  and 
with  the  use  of  a  trolling  hook  and  line  would  manage  to 
catch  good  fish,  to  say  nothing  of  the  crabs  fastened  to  the 
line  at  each  haul. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  month  of  March,  1863,  we  were 
called  upon  to  make  preparations  for  a  move,  and  on  April 
1st  we  embarked  on  steamers  to  take  part  in  General  Hunter's 
expedition  to  Folly  Island.  For  several  weeks  previous  to 
starting  the  men  had  been  drilled  in  the  management  of  surf- 
boats.  On  the  morning  of  April  3d  we  arrived  opposite 
Stono  Inlet,  but  the  storm,  which  had  been  furious  during 
the  night,  had  not  abated,  and  we  were  compelled,  together 
with  the  balance  of  the  fleet,  to  lie-to  for  several  hours ;  and 
besides,  several  of  the  transports  had  lost  their  surf -boats 
during  the  gale.  We  were  in  close  proximity  to  the  block 
ading  squadron  off  Charleston  harbor,  and  the  scene  pre 
sented  at  this  time  was  novel  and  exciting.  Matters  began  to 
look  like  business  again,  and  we  were  all  glad  to  have  the 
dull  and  monotonous  routine  of  camp-life  dissolved.  About 
noon  of  this  day  we  steamed  up  to  Edisto  Island  and  soon 
came  to  anchor  in  the  quiet  waters  of  Edisto  river,  where  we 
found  seven  monitors  and  five  gunboats,  aside  from  other 
craft.  During  the  day  the  steamer  "  Ben  DeFord  "  came  in 
and  anchored  near  us,  bringing  General  Hunter  and  Admiral 
Dupont.  Early  the  succeeding  morning  we  got  under  way 
again  and  had  a  comparatively  smooth  passage  to  Stono 
Inlet,  at  the  mouth  of  which  we  found  the  tug  "  Harriet 
Weed  "  in  waiting  to  pilot  us  up  the  river  to  Cole's  Island, 
where  we  commenced  disembarking  by  means  of  the  surf- 
boats  and  rafts.  The  men  made  rather  bungling  work  at 
first  in  handling  their  oars,  but  soon  came  down  to  work. 
The  Thirty-Ninth  was  the  first  to  reach  the  island,  where 


112  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

we  found  the  One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers  already 
in  camp.  The  Sixty-Second  Ohio,  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  and 
Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  Infantry  soon  followed  us. 

We  made  our  encampment  near  the  shore  and  close  to 
Folly  Island,  which  was  in  possession  of  the  rebels.  The 
entire  camp  equipage  was  landed  before  sunset,  and  the 
tents  soon  pitched,  and  supper,  the  first  decent  meal  of  the 
day,  partaken  of.  Near  the  camp  were  several  old  forts 
and  intrenchments,  and  during  the  evening  some  of  us  took 
up  position  on  the  parapet  of  a  fort  where  we  could  plainly 
see  the  camp-fires  of  the  rebels — their  signal  lights  and 
rockets,  which  were  flashing  out  intelligence  of  our  ap 
proach. 

April  5th  the  brigade  commenced  the  work  of  throwing 
up  rifle-pits,  and  otherwise  fortifying  the  position,  for  an 
attack  at  any  moment  was  possible.  From  the  head  of  the 
island,  a  mile  or  so  distant  from  camp,  the  rebel  pickets 
could  plainly  be  seen,  together  with  squads  of  men  here  and 
there,  busy  in  perfecting  their  line  of  earth-works  and 
mounting  cannon.  At  seven  P.  M.  of  this  day  an  order  came 
to  put  out  all  lights,  as  General  Ferry  was  under  the  im 
pression  that  we  would  be  shelled  by  the  rebels.  At  ten  P.  M. 
orders  came  to  strike  tents  and  move  to  the  landing,  and  at 
midnight  we  got  on  board  the  tug  "Harriet  Weed"  and 
were  ferried  over  in  detail  of  companies  to  Folly  Island.  On 
landing,  the  regiment  stacked  arms  and  lay  down  for  a  little 
rest.  At  sunrise  the  following  morning  we  commenced 
moving  up  the  sea-beach,  preceded  by  a  large  body  of 
skirmishers,  and  two  pieces  of  twelve-pounder  artillery  under 
the  charge  of  marines  and  drawn  by  hand.  Several  halts 
were  made  in  our  progress,  which  were  necessitated  by  the 
slow  movements  of  our  skirmishers,  they  being  spread  out 
across  the  island  in  order  to  make  a  clean  sweep.  The  slow 
movement  was  mostly  attributable  to  the  dense  undergrowth, 
trailing  vines,  hedges,  etc.,  that  had  to  be  cut  away  by  the 


MOVE    TO   HEAD    OF  ISLAND.  H3 

pioneers  before  progress  could  be  made.  At  noon  the  regi 
ment  halted  in  a  palmetto  grove  for  dinner,  and  a  siesta  was 
taken  until  three  p.  M.  ;  then  we  started  on  again  and  con 
tinued  until  four  p.  M.,  when  an  order  came  to  bivouac. 
There  was  an  implicit  order  against  building  fires,  and  a 
cold  lunch  of  ham  and  hard-tack  sufficed  for  supper. 

At  ten  o'clock  A.  M.  we  were  awakened  with  a  muffled 
order  to  "  fall  in"  and  march,  and  were  soon  en  route  again, 
with  nothing  to  disturb  the  quiet  except  the  song  of  the 
mocking-bird  and  the  thud-thud  of  the  many  footsteps 
along  the  level  beach — the  clatter  of  canteens  against  the 
knapsack  or  the  gun;  but  all  this  was  drowned,  except  to 
the  participants  in  the  march,  by  the  dull  and  monotonous 
cadence  of  the  ocean,  whose  waves  often  washed  over  our 
footsteps.  We  reached  the  head  of  the  island  at  daybreak 
without  meeting  the  enemy.  Our  fears  had  been  greatly 
excited  at  times  from  the  fact  that  the  skirmishing  party 
would  exercise,  us  by  firing  off  their  guns,  and  at  one  time 
we  thought  that  we  had  been  attacked  in  the  rear, — all 
occasioned  by  the  careless  handling  of  firearms.  At  the  head 
of  the  island  we  reconnoitered  Morris  Island  by  peeping 
through  the  thick  foliage  that  skirted  Light  House  Inlet. 

Folly  Island  is  some  seven  miles  in  length  and  was 
densely  timbered  with  palmetto,  pine  and  magnolia  trees, 
together  with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush  throughout  the 
greater  portion.  There  was  no  habitation  except  at  the  foot 
of  the  island,  consisting  of  a  two-story  frame  house  and  one 
or  two  out-buildings,  all  of  which  were  latterly  used  for  our 
accommodations — the  house  for  the  General's  headquarters 
and  the  out-buildings  for  hospital  purposes. 

In  our  position  at  the  head  of  the  island  we  had  a  full 
view  of  Forts  Sumter,  Moultrie,  Johnson,  and  the  various 
sand  batteries  on  Morris  and  Sullivan's  islands,  and  in  the 
foreground  were  numerous  "graybacks"  perched  on  the 
sand  hills  intently  engaged  in  looking  in  our  direction.  At 


114 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  SUMTER.          ^5 

times  they  would  approach  the  water's  edge  on  the  opposite 
shore  and  deliberately  fire  their  muskets  towards  us.  We 
had  an  unobstructed  view  of  the  blockading  squadron  sea 
ward,  and  the  monitor  fleet  that  was  entering  the  ship  chan 
nel  to  engage  the  various  harbor  batteries.  At  two  p.  M.  the 
monitors,  led  by  the  "Ironsides,"  were  seen  in  motion, 
with  the  "  Weehawken"  as  skirmisher  to  dispose  of  obstruc 
tions.  After  the  "Ironsides'1  came  the  "Passaic,"  "  Mon- 
tauk,"  "Patapsco,"  "  Catskill,"  "Nantucket,"  "Nahant," 
and  "  Keokuk."  The  fleet  paid  no  attention  to  the  batteries 
on  Morris  Island,  but  pressed  forward  to  the  northwest  face 
of  Fort  Sumter. 

At  half  past  two  o'clock  the  ball  opened,  the  first  shot 
being  fired  from  Fort  Sumter.  Soon  the  batteries  on 
Sullivan's  Island  and  Morris  Island  opened  most  fiercely, 
followed  by  broadsides  from  Sumter,  and  the  din  and  roar 
was  deafening,  which  together  with  the  flash  and  smoke 
from  each  gun  made  up  a  scene  that  was  deeply  interesting 
to  distant  spectators;  but  when  we  consider  the  animus  that 
pointed  each  gun  from  the  fort  that  inaugurated  the  rebellion 
we  pause  to  contemplate  the  fiendishness  of  it. 

Through  some  mistake  of  orders  the  "Weehawken" 
missed  her  course  and  the  line  of  battle  became  confused  so 
that  the  whole  power  of  our  fleet  was  not  manifest  for  a  long 
time.  It  was  impossible  for  the  monitors  to  get  nearer  than 
eight  hundred  feet  of  the  fort  by  reason  of  the  numerous 
floating  torpedoes,  yet  the  monitor  "Keokuk"  succeeded  in 
gaining  a  nearer  position,  and  in  consequence  was  completely 
disabled,  having  received  ninety  shots  in  the  course  of  half 
an  hour.  By  means  of  her  pumps  she  was  brought  out 
from  the  fray,  and  finally  sank  near  the  entrance  of  the 
harbor — her  smoke-stack  reaching  just  above  the  surface  of 
the  water.  The  other  monitors  were  not  essentially 
damaged. 

At  half -past  four  p.  M.  the  whole  fleet  withdrew  and, 


116 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


ONLY  HARD-TACK  AND    COFFEE. 

with  the  exception  of  the  "  Ironsides,"  proceeded  to  Hilton 
Head  or  Port  Koyal.  The  number  of  guns  that  had  been 
brought  to  bear  upon  this  little  squadron  was  fully  three 
hundred,  and  for  rapidity  of  fire  and  weight  of  metal  they 
were  never  surpassed. 

We  watched  this  combat  with  the  greatest  interest,  even 
climbing  trees  for  a  better  view.  Fort  Sumter  seemed  to  be 
a  sheet  of  flame  from  the  successive  discharge  of  her 
numerous  guns.  About  once  a  minute  there  would  be  the 
discharge  of  a  gun  from  the  turret  of  a  monitor  and  we 
would  watch  the  effect  of  the  heavy  ball  as  it  struck  the  fort. 
All  that  we  could  discover  was  a  cloud  of  dust  and  a  fall  of 
debris — no  breach  being  apparent.  We  have  ever  consid 
ered  this  naval  duel  as  one  of  the  most  novel  and  exciting 
episodes  of  our  life  and  never  shall  forget  it,  in  any  of  its 
details.  The  wounded  in  the  engagement  were  principally 
on  the  "  Keokuk,"  and  they  were  put  on  board  the  hospital 
ship  by  her  own  crew. 

The  8th  of  April  opened  up  gloriously  as  far  as  sun, 
sky  and  good  temperature  were  concerned,  but  the  want  of 
food  from  the  failure  of  the  commissary  to  report  was 
intensely  felt,  and  a  pall  as  thick  as  mud  fell  like  an  incubus 
on  our  spirits.  We  had  some  hard-tack  left  which  was 
washed  down  with  the  mere  apology  for  coffee.  During  the 
forenoon  heavy  cannonading  was  again  heard,  but  mostly 
confined  to  the  blockading  squadron,  which  was  attempt 
ing  a  little  practice  to  remove  the  rust  from  their  guns,  or 
give  the  fleet  a  little  exercise.  On  bringing  our  glasses  to 
bear  on  Fort  Sumter,  three  flags  were  seen — one  the  National 
flag  of  the  Confederacy,  one  the  State  flag  bearing  the 
Palmetto,  and  the  third  one  was  made  out  as  a  black  flag,  or 
looked  like  one.  At  two  P.  M.  orders  were  received  to 
remove  our  camp  back  some  three  miles  for  a  permanent 
position.  We  picked  out  a  suitable  site  and  finally  pitched 


118 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


the  tents  agreeably  to  army  regulations,  and  soon  were  in 
quarters  for  a  sleep,  with  the  roar  of  the  ocean  for  a  lullaby. 
April  9th,  General  Vogdes  came  with  authority  from 
General  Hunter  to  assume  command  of  the  forces  on  this 
island,  thus  superseding  Colonel  Howell,  who  had  been  act 
ing  as  brigadier-general.  General  Vogdes,  prior  to  the  war, 
was  a  captain  in  an  artillery  regiment  and  a  graduate  of 
West  Point.  At  the  battle  of  "Bull  Bun"  he  was  taken 
prisoner  and  lingered  in  prison  at  Bichmond  for  some  thir- 


FOBT    SUMTER    AFTER    BOMBARDMENT. 

teen  months.     When  exchanged  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  brigadier-general. 

General  Israel  Vogdes  will  long  be  remembered  by  his 
command  on  Folly  Island  for  his  remarkable  eccentricities 
of  manner  and  speech.  He  was  a  great  stickler  for  discipline 
and  exacted  from  the  soldiers  all  the  honors  due  his  rank  and 
position.  Although  it  was  his  invariable  habit  to  saunter 
around  camp  in  a  blouse  or  in  his  shirt-sleeves,  yet  he  was 
so  puffed  out  with  egotism  that  he  excused  no  one  for  not 
recognizing  him  as  the  commanding  general.  The  soldiers 


THE  PRIVATE   AND    THE  GENERAL.  H9 

had  taken  a  dislike  to  him  on  general  principles  and  neg 
lected  no  opportunity  to  annoy  and  vex  him.  One  night  he 
was  caught  out  while  near  the  head  of  the  island  without  the 
"word,"  or  "countersign,"  and  was  delayed  some  two  hours 
on  one  pretext  or  another,  although  it  was  well  known  who  he 
was. 

At  one  time  when  Private  Lankinaw  of  Company  D,  a 
stalwart  German  who  had  seen  service  in  the  Prussian  army, 
was  on  guard  duty  near  headquarters,  the  General  happened 
to  pass  just  at  sundown  and  Lankinaw  paid  no  attention 
whatever.  This  was  so  gross  a  breach  of  discipline  and 
respect  that  Yogdes  could  not  pass  it  by,  and  the  officer  of 
the  day  was  sent  for.  Colonel  Howell,  of  the  Eighty-Fifth 
Pennsylvania,  a  very  suave  and  polite  old  gentleman,  was  on 
duty,  and  when  he  reported,  Yogdes  said: 

"  Colonel,  these  d — d  Western  volunteer  soldiers  do  not 
know  their  duty,  sir.  I  was  passing  the  sentinel  just  now, 
sir,  and  he  did  not  salute  or  pay  the  least  attention  to  his 
commanding  general,  and  you  will  at  once  relieve  and  punish 
him,  sir." 

"Yes,  sir;  great  disrespect  to  the  commanding  officer," 
said  Howell.  "  Will  see  to  it  at  once,  sir,  at  once!"  and  he 
started  to  interview  Lankinaw. 

"Soldier,  the  general  commanding  reports  that  you  did 
not  '  present  arms  '  when  he  lately  passed  you.  Don't  you 
know  your  duty  ?  " 

"  Yell,  Colonel  Howells,  I  shalutes  no  man,  by  tarn,  ven 
it  pees  sundown." 

"Sundown,  was  it?  If  so,  you  were  in  the  right,  sir, 
and  will  so  report." 

Colonel  Howell  returned  to  the  General,  saying:  "Gen 
eral  Yogdes,  the  soldier  says  the  sun  was  down  when  you 
passed  him,  and  according  to  the  army  regulations,  you 
know,  the  sentinel  is  not  obliged  to  pay  salute  to  anybody." 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  know ;  but  I  do  not  think  the  sun  was  down, 


120  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

— at  least,  I  do  not  think  that  it  was  quite  down.  However, 
let  it  pass;  but  see  to  it  that  these  volunteers  are  better  in 
structed  in  their  duties." 

The  regiment  by  detail  was  kept  constantly  busy  in 
throwing  up  intrenchments  and  building  forts,  and  from  this 
severe  labor,  in  connection  with  the  miasm  of  the  marshes, 
a  large  number  of  men  constantly  reported  on  the  "  sick 
list."  Many  were  sent  to  the  hospital  at  the  foot  of  the 
island,  and  when  accommodations  failed,  or  they  could  be 
benefited  by  a  change,  they  were  sent  aboard  the  hospital 
ship  "  Cosmopolitan"  and  transferred  to  Northern  hospitals. 
The  "hospital  ship"  "Cosmopolitan"  came  each  month  to 
receive  our  sick  and  wounded.  It  was  under  the  charge  of 
Surgeon  Otis,  U.  S.  V. 

April  llth,  under  cover  of  the  dark  night,  some  three 
hundred  of  the  enemy  approached  the  island  in  boats  in  the 
endeavor  to  surprise  our  outposts,  but  were  discovered  and 
driven  back,  but  not  until  they  had  wounded  one  man  of  the 
One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers  and  captured  two 
others. 

General  Seymour  had  succeeded  General  Vogdes  in 
command  of  the  whole  force,  and  on  the  evening  of  this  day 
there  was  a  detail  from  the  Thirty-Ninth  to  deploy  as  skirm 
ishers  across  the  island.  General  Ferry  went  to  Port  Royal 
and  the  fleet  of  transports  there  sailed  for  the  same  destina 
tion,  taking  with  them  the  whole  force  with  the  exception  of 
five  regiments  under  command  of  Yogdes. 

April  12th,  the  Thirty-Ninth  went  to  the  head  of  the 
island  to  relieve  the  One  Hundredth  New  York,  which  was 
ordered  to  Cole's  Island  to  relieve  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio, 
ordered  back  to  Folly  Island. 

A  great  deal  of  sickness  was  prevalent  at  this  time,  and 
as  a  prophylactic  measure  whisky  and  quinine  was  ordered 
to  be  given  the  men  each  morning. 


"  JUBILEE"    OF  THE  REBELS.  121 

April  13th  was  the  anniversary  of  the  capture  of  Fort 
Sumter  by  the  rebels,  and  we  notice  that  they  are  having  a 
jubilee  not  only  at  the  fort  but  on  Morris  Island.  We  occa 
sionally  see  officers  accompanied  by  women  that  must  have 
come  from  Charleston,  and  from  our  point  of  observation  the 
officers  were  engaged  in  pointing  out  the  position  of  the 
"Yanks,"  and  doubtless  remarking  to  their  lady  friends  how 
easy  it  will  be  to  dislodge  them  when  the  proper  time 
arrives  (  ? ) . 

Soon  after  the  occupation  of  Folly  Island  a  post  hospital 
was  established  in  a  vacant  two-story  building  near  the  head 
quarters  of  General  Yogdes,  and  Surgeon  Clark  was  placed 
in  charge. 

There  was  considerable  sickness  among  the  soldiers  at 
this  time  from  the  incessant  fatigue  and  exposure  attending 
the  erection  of  batteries  and  the  constant  picket  duty;  and 
besides,  men  were  continually  being  wounded  by  the  enemy's 
shells  or  by  accident  and  carelessness.  It  is  remembered 
that  among  the  first  to  be  admitted  for  wounds  were  two  men 
belonging  to  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers.  They,  it 
seems,  had  found  a  shell  when  they  were  on  duty  and  had 
brought  it  with  them  to  their  quarters,  and  when  about  to 
cook  their  dinners  had  utilized  it  as  a  support  for  their  wood 
fire.  They  had  not,  in  their  stupidity,  ascertained  whether 
it  was  loaded  or  not,  but  were  soon  informed,  for  it  exploded 
wfth  great  force,  wounding  four  men,  two  of  them  very  seri 
ously,  one  having  to  suffer  amputation  of  a  leg. 

April  15th  the  steamer  "  Cossack  "  arrived,  bringing  a 
company  of  the  First  Maryland  Cavalry,  in  command  of 
Lieutenant  Holt.  On  the  16th  Quartermaster  Friedly,  of 
General  Ferry's  staff,  arrived  on  the  steamer  "Secor,"  bring 
ing  an  order  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  to  report  at  Hilton  Head; 
but  towards  evening,  on  the  arrival  of  the  steamer  "  Nellie 
Baker,"  the  order  was  countermanded,  much  to  our  satisfac 
tion,  as  we  wished  to  remain  until  after  the  assault  on 


122  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Morris  Island,  for  which  we  had  long  been  making  prepa 
rations. 

Work  was  steadily  progressing  in  fortifying  at  the  head 
of  the  island,  under  the  direct  superintendence  of  Captain 
Crusoe,  of  the  New  York  Engineer  Battalion,  and  the  rebels 
apparently  had  no  idea  of  our  plans,  so  well  were  they 
guarded  and  screened  from  observation  by  the  thick  under 
growth  and  sand  dunes.  The  rebels  were  also  active  in 
throwing  up  batteries  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  inlet. 
Each  day  brought  some  new  excitement  to  enliven  the  dull 
ness  of  the  camp.  Either  the  rebels  would  open  up  a  lively 
artillery  fire,  or  the  gunboats  stationed  in  Stono  Kiver  (the 
"  Pawnee  "  and  "  McDonough  ")  would  proceed,  in  company 
with  the  mortar  schooner,  up  the  Stono  to  Eolly  River  and 
shell  the  woods  and  adjacent  islands,  accomplishing  very 
little,  but  invariably  provoking  the  enemy  to  respond  in  our 
direction. 

Majors  Moore  and  Mason,  Paymasters,  U.  8.  A.,  put  in 
an  appearance  about  this  time,  and  were  gratefully  welcomed, 
and  we  did  what  was  proper  in  the  matter  of  entertainment, 
and  received  "  Uncle  Sam's  "  promises-to-pay  in  the  shape  of 
crisp  "greenbacks."  The  Paymaster  was  always  a  welcome 
visitor,  and  especially  to  the  sutler,  who  then  received 
payment  for  the  truck  he  had  credited  the  soldiers  at  most 
exorbitant  prices. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  had  a  sutler  at  this  time  who  was  a 
most  singular  character,  but  possessed  of  active  and  ener 
getic  qualities  for  business,  often  bringing  schooner  loads  of 
merchandise  into  the  department  and  disposing  of  the  same, 
at  a  great  advance  from  New  York  prices,  to  his  more  impe 
cunious  brothers  in  trade.  He  had  two  great  passions.  One 
was  his  intense  love  for  barter,  in  which  the  desire  for  gain 
often  led  him  to  be  unscrupulous;  it  was  only  the  "monish," 
as  he  expressed  it,  that  he  wanted.  The  other  was  his  pas 
sion  for  a  periodical  spree,  which  generally  lasted  for  a  week 


AN  INCIDENT.  ]23 

or  ten  days,  dependent  on  circumstances  and  associations. 
The  occasional  habit  of  exalting  himself  with  "  schnapps  " 
came  near  ending  his  career  on  several  occasions.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  when  we  first  reached  the  department 
after  leaving  St.  Helena  Island,  the  captain  of  our  trans 
port  had  permission  to  proceed  up  to  Beaufort  for  a  supply 
of  coal,  as  the  bunkers  of  the  steamer  were  about  exhausted. 
On  reaching  Beaufort  we  made  fast  to  the  schooner  having 
the  coal,  and  which  was  moored  to  the  wharf,  there  being  a 
space  bridged  over  by  a  single  plank  from  the  vessel  to  the 
shore.  As  we  were  to  remain  over-night,  a  party  of  us,  in 
company  with  the  sutler,  proceeded  up  into  town  to  the  hotel, 
where  we  found  a  gay  and  jovial  assemblage  of  officers, 
mostly  "regulars."  Something  to  drink  was  the  order,  which 
was  continued  in  force  during  the  evening.  The  sutler,  in 
the  meantime,  had  become  quite  exhilarated,  loquacious  and 
combative,  and  soon  was  quarreling  with  Captain  -  — ,  on 
the  staff  of  General  O.  O.  Howard,  over  the  relative  merits 
and  bravery  of  the  volunteer  and  regular  soldiers.  The  sutler 
was  insisting,  and  would  maintain  at  any  cost,  that  the  volun 
teers  who  had  responded  to  the  call  of  the  President,  to 
uphold  and  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  Federal  Govern 
ment,  had  accomplished  more  in  generalship,  in  valorous 
actions,  and  had  done  more  fighting,  marching  and  effective 
work  so  far,  than  all  the  "  regulars  "  he  had  ever  seen,  met, 
or  heard  of.  The  captain  was  just  as  emphatic  and  abusive 
in  his  denial,  until  finally  the  matter  culminated  in  a  chal 
lenge  for  a  duel,  and  they  were  about  to  adjourn  to  a  room 
up-stairs  to  fight  it  out,  when  another  party  of  officers  arrived 
and  put  a  stop  to  the  disgraceful  proceeding.  The  captain 
was  ordered  to  his  quarters,  and  the  sutler  was  prevailed 
upon  to  return  to  the  steamer.  We  started  out,  followed  by 
the  sutler,  who  was  still  spluttering  about  having  "shafisfac- 
shun  out  of  that  reg'lar  for  his  'spersions  against  the  vol 
unteers." 


124  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

It  was  ten  o'clock  and  the  night  very  dark  when  we 
reached  the  wharf  and  commenced  the  ascent  of  the  plank 
to  the  schooner,  and  had  nearly  accomplished  the  passage 
when  the  sutler  made  a  mis-calculation  in  his  footing 
(although  we  had  used  all  precaution  to  help  him  over 
safely),  and  plunged  down  into  the  water.  We  hurriedly 
called  for  ropes  and  a  lantern,  and  it  seemed  an  age  before 
they  came,  and  we  began  to  fear  the  man  was  lost,  for  110 
answer  had  been  returned  to  our  frequent  calls  to  know  if 
he  was  safe.  Looking  down,  after  the  arrival  of  the  light, 
he  was  at  last  discovered  astride  a  big  hawser,  but  submerged 
to  his  shoulders,  and  the  first  words  of  greeting  were,  "  Shay, 
you  fellows!  going  to  let  a  man  drown?"  A  rope  was  secured 
under  his  arms  and  he  was  lifted  aboard  the  schooner,  a 
wetter  but  a  more  sober  man.  His  escape  was  almost  a 
miracle,  under  the  circumstances.  Poor  fellow !  After  amass 
ing  a  small  fortune  as  sutler,  he  established  a  bank  at  Rich 
mond,  Va.,  after  its  evacuation,  and  subsequently  a  banking 
business  in  Chicago,  where  he  died  some  twelve  years  ago  in 
very  reduced  circumstances. 

Up  to  May  llth  the  troops  on  Folly  Island  had  desisted 
from  sounding  "reveille,"  or  giving  the  "calls,"  and  at  this 
time  were  only  permitted  the  use  of  a  drum  and  fife,  for 
"  You  know  the  rebels  would  know  where  to  shoot,  you 
know!"  as  General  Yogdes  explained.  On  this  day  several 
officers  of  the  regiment,  on  invitation,  paid  a  visit  to  the 
"Ironsides,"  one  of  the  blockading  fleet,  taking  passage  on 
the  little  steamer  "  Nantucket"  in  company  with  a  large 
number  of  naval  officers  who  were  reporting  for  duty  from 
the  North.  We  were  very  courteously  received  and  shown 
over  the  vessel  by  Surgeon  Duval  and  others.  Our  attention 
was  directed  to  the  injuries  received  by  the  vessel  during  the 
bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter,  which  were  very  slight,  con 
sisting  in  a  few  saucer-like  indentations  in  her  armor. 

May  13th  we  received  intelligence  and  a  few  particulars 


TRAFFIC    WITH    THE   ENEMY.  125 

of  the  battle  fought  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  which  accounts 
for  the  firing  of  minute  guns  by  the  enemy  to-day.  Later 
in  the  day  a  Charleston  paper  was  received,  by  means  of  a 
float,  from  the  "  Johnnies."  It  contained  news  of  the  death 
of  Generals  Hill  and  "Stonewall"  Jackson,  and  the  informa 
tion  that  "the  Yankees  lost  twenty  thousand  men  and  eight 
thousand  prisoners  at  the  battle."  On  the  margin  of  the 
paper  was  also  scribbled,  "If  you  'Yanks'  expect  to  stay  on 
Folly  Island  to  combat  the  sandflies  and  fleas  until  you  drive 
us  into  the  Union,  you  will  have  to  stay  there  until  h-11 
freezes  over!" 

Quite  an  amicable  understanding  had  and  still  existed 
between  the  soldiers  on  both  sides  of  the  inlet,  and  a  good 
deal  of  barter  was  carried  on,  exchanging  coffee  for  tobacco 
and  trading  newspapers,  which  was  accomplished  by  con 
structing  little  "dugouts"  and  "floats"  and  attaching  a  sail, 
and  when  the  wind  and  tide  were  favorable,  sending  them 
adrift  freighted  with  whatever  was  to  be  exchanged;  and 
everything  was  conducted  on  the  "square,"  but  it  had  to  be 
carried  on  "  sub  rosa."  When  an  officer  on  duty  approached, 
all  was  changed,  and  fierce  picket  firing  was  indulged  in. 

The  men  on  advanced  guard  duty  at  the  head  of  the 
island  and  along  the  border  of  Folly  river  had  strict  instruc 
tions  how  to  deal  with  persons  who  could  not  satisfactorily 
account  for  themselves,  and  it  was  dangerous  to  be  abroad, 
especially  at  night,  without  the  countersign ;  and  then  it  was 
necessary  to  be  prompt  in  answering  a  challenge  from  the 
sentinel.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Captain  Eodgers,  of 
the  Sixty- Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  when  officer  of  the  day, 
and  when  making  the  "grand  rounds"  at  night,  was  chal 
lenged,  and  failing  to  answer  promptly,  was  shot  while 
advancing,  and  died  soon  afterwards. 

In  the  latter  part  of  May  (the  exact  date  is  forgotten) 
the  steamer  "  Euby,"  in  trying  to  enter  Charleston  harbor, 
after  having  succeeded  in  passing  the  blockading  fleet  during 


126  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  night,  was  stranded  on  the  bar  at  the  mouth  of  Light- 
Jaouse  Inlet.  She  was  what  is  termed  a  swift  Clyde-built 
vessel,  being  constructed  especially  for  the  business  she  was 
engaged  in,  that  of  running  the  blockade  with  supplies  for 
the  rebels.  She  had  stranded  about  mid-way  between 
Morris  and  Folly  Islands  and  had  been  abandoned  by  her 
crew.  The  rebels  had  already  made  several  excursions  to 
her,  carrying  away  a  good  deal  of  merchandise,  and  several 
officers  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  had  decided  to  make  a  voyage 
of  discovery,  under  cover  of  night,  and  see  what  was 
to  be  found.  A  boat's  crew  was  collected  under  the  com 
mand  of  Major  Linton,  and  they  started  out,  moving  with 
a  good  deal  of  care  so  as  not  to  be  discovered  and  thus 
draw  the  fire  of  the  rebels.  The  vessel  was  reached 
without  any  mishap,  and  they  were  soon  in  undisputed 
possession.  But  what  was  their  chagrin  and  annoyance 
when  they  discovered  that  all  the  matches  they  had  brought 
along  had  become  wet  in  some  manner,  and  therefore 
useless.  Nevertheless,  they  were  not  going  back  without 
making  some  kind"  of  examination  to  find  out  the  charac 
ter  of  the  cargo.  They  went  to  work  upon  their  senses 
of  feeling  and  smelling  and  were  soon  rewarded  by  find 
ing  some  pineapples  and  cigars,  and  last,  but  not  least, 
some  bottles  of  fine  Scotch  whisky.  Helping  themselves  to 
as  much  of  this  commodity  as  they  could  well  carry,  they 
left  and  got  back  all  right. 

This  expedition  proved  so  successful  that  after  a  few 
days  it  was  followed  by  another,  being  accompanied  by  the 
two  assistant-surgeons  of  the  regiment.  The  visit  was  so 
timed  as  to  take  advantage  of  the  ebb  tide.  They  proceeded 
out  to  the  bar,  where  the  boat  was  left  in  charge  of  one  of 
the  party,  while  the  others  clambered  aboard. 

The  party  who  had  remained  with  the  boat  as  sentinel 
had  secured  the  "  painter  "  by  placing  his  foot  upon  it,  and 
was  so  intent  on  some  other  matters  (perhaps  looking  for 


DR.   WOODWARD   IN   TROUBLE.  127 

rebels)  that  he  had  not  noticed  the  incoming  tide,  and 
before  he  was  aware,  the  water  was  bubbling  at  his  feet  and 
the  boat  had  floated  away,  painter  and  all.  The  party  on 
board  the  "  Euby  "  were  hastily  notified,  and  prepared  for 
the  return  trip  before  the  tide  should  effectually  cut  off 
retreat.  It  was  a  most  ludicrous  as  well  as  disagreeable 
position  to  be  placed  in,  and  no  telling  when  the  rebels 
might  appear.  They  could  now  wade  for  some  distance 
along  the  bar,  but  before  reaching  the  shore  there  was  a 
stretch  of  deep  water  that  would  necessitate  swimming.  All 
of  the  party  excepting  the  second  assistant-surgeon,  Doctor 
Woodward,  reached  the  shore  without  much  trouble,  and 
Woodward  came  along  gallantly  until  within  thirty  feet  of 
the  shore  when  he  found  his  strength  failing  him  and  cried, 
"Help!  help!!  I  sink!!!"  The  large  number  of  men  on  the 
beach  who  had  been  watching  the  enterprise  now  made  an 
effort  for  his  recovery,  and  some  twenty  men,  joining  hands, 
walked  off  into  the  water  in  his  direction,  and  the  foremost 
link  of  this  human  chain  succeeded  in  grasping  this  old 
disciple  of  Esculapius  and  bringing  him  to  dry  land;  but 
what  was  the  chagrin  of  many  and  the  laughter  of  others 
when  they  found  him  to  be  weighted  down  with  a  heavy 
plate  looking-glass  slung  about  his  neck,  and  several  pine 
apples  in  his  coat  pockets,  together  with  other  small  trash 
that  he  had  accumulated  while  on  board,  but  not  least  of  all 
was  a  calf-skin  hat-box  containing  a  hat  that  he  had  kept 
possession  of,  and  it  is  presumed  that  if  he  had  sunk  beneath 
the  waves,  that  hat-box  would  have  been  his  companion. 

The  doctor's  troubles  did  not  end  here,  however,  for  the 
next  morning  the  matter  came  to  General  Vogdes'  ears,  and 
he  in  his  supreme  majesty  ordered  the  doctor  under  arrest, 
and  to  report  at  once  to  headquarters.  Under  the  shadow 
of  two  bayonets  the  doctor  walked  down  to  the  foot  of  the 
island  to  confront  the  General.  The  result  of  the  examina 
tion  was  that  Doctor  Woodward  should  report  to  the  head  of 


128  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  island  and  remain  until  further  orders,  without  daring 
to  transgress  limits.  The  head  of  the  island  was  constantly 
exposed  to  the  shot  and  shell  that  were  daily  thrown  from 
Morris  Island,  and  the  troops,  in  order  to  protect  themselves, 
erected  bomb-proof  shelters  over  excavations  in  the  sand, 
and  it  was  in  a  place  of  this  character  that  our  second 
assistant  surgeon  was  located  for  some  six  weeks. 

Occasionally  a  number  of  us  would  ride  up  to  the  head 
of  the  island  after  sunset  to  see  our  friends  and  get  some 
idea  of  the  progress  of  operations,  and  would  invariably  call 
to  see  the  doctor,  who  was  making  the  best  of  his  banish 
ment,  but  pleading,  meantime,  most  energetically  for  a 
reprieve.  We  could  not  stop  long  in  endeavors  to  console 
him,  for  shot  and  shell  were  flying  briskly  around  us ;  how 
ever,  we  gave  him  encouragement,  and  would  do  our  utmost 
to  get  a  pardon  from  the  General.  His  looking-glass  was 
still  present  and  reflecting  upon  him ;  also  the  hat  and  hat- 
case;  but  the  pineapples  had  been  gobbled.  After  the 
doctor's  release,  which  happened  a  few  days  after  this  visit, 
he  magnanimously  fractured  the  looking-glass,  and  after 
rubbing  off  the  film  of  quicksilver,  took  several  pieces  down 
to  the  foot  of  the  island  and  had  an  ambrotype  taken  on 
them  of  himself — portrayed  with  a  pipe  in  his  mouth  and  a 
very  distressed  look,  as  commemorating  his  vigils  at  the 
head  of  Folly  Island. 

The  doctor  might  have  escaped  this  punishment  if  he 
had  used  a  little  diplomacy  by  sharing  the  fruits  of  his 
gathering  with  the  General.  Yogdes  had  heard  of  these 
expeditions  and  what  had  been  captured,  and  he  one  day 
remarked  to  an  officer,  "  Colonel,  I  hear  that  the  men  at  the 
head  of  the  island  are  going  out  to  that  blockade  runner  and 
get  lots  of  fruit,  cigars  and  liquor.  It's  a  little  strange  that 
'none  of  it  has  found  the  way  to  these  headquarters."  He 
felt  slighted,  and  the  accidents  of  this  last  expedition  gave 
him  the  opportunity  to  visit  vengeance  on  some  one,  and 


TOO   LATE! 


129 


Woodward  proved  to  be  the  one.  After  this  he  authorized 
an  expedition  to  go  aboard  and  take  what  cargo  was  left,  but 
it  proved  too  late  to  get  any  of  the  delicacies.  It,  however, 
brought  from  the  vessel  a  large  quantity  of  white  cotton 
cloth,  which  was  mostly  turned  over  to  the  medical  depart 
ment  for  bandages  and  dressings. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Fowler  of  Company  K  Hurt— Card  Playing — An  Accident — Board  of 
Administration  for  the  Sutlers — General  Gilmore  Succeeds  Hunter — 
Gilmore  and  Seymour  Arrive — Troops  Arriving — Plan  of  Operations 
— Battery  Completed — Guns  Mounted — The  Boys  Tired  Out — Field 
Hospital  Organized — The  Capture  of  a  Part  of  Morris  Island — How 
it  was  Done— Might  Have  Had  it  All— The  Wounded— The  First 
Assault  on  Fort  Wagner — How  Conducted — Rebel  Account  of  It- 
After  the  Repulse — Morris  Island — Heavy  Details  for  Work — More 
Batteries  Erected — The  Ironclads  Bombard  Wagner — The  Second 
Assault  on  Wagner — The  Colored  Regiment — Troops  Sacrificed — 
Blundering — The  Tale  of  a  Participator— Killed  and  Wounded — 
Troops  Sent  Away — Gilmore  Rifles — Nuisances — Colonel  Howell 
Injured — Reflections — The  Parallels — Capture  of  Rifle  Pits — Fort 
»  Sumter  in  Ruins — The  "  Swamp  Angel " — Prepare  for  Another 
Assault — Wagner  Abandoned— Call  for  Volunteers  to  Reconnoitre — 
Dispatch  to  Gilmore — Orders,  Etc. — Death  of  Captain  Woodruff- 
Resolutions — General  Gilmore's  Order  of  Congratulation. 


TUNE  1st,  1863,  Private  Fowler  of  Company  K  was  seri- 
ously  injured  by  the  falling  of  a  heavy  branch  from  a 
tree  that  had  been  severed  by  the  passage  of  a  shell  fired  by 
the  enemy.  Several  accidents  of  a  similar  nature  occurred 
while  we  were  on  the  island.  Some  days  previously  a  negro 
boy,  servant  to  one  of  the  regimental  officers,  had  been 
killed  by  the  passage  of  a  shell  through  camp. 

When  our  soldiers  were  not  busy  with  the  spade  or  on 
picket  duty,  they  spent  a  large  portion  of  their  leisure,  even 
intruding  on  bed  hours,  in  playing  poker  or  some  other 
game  of  chance,  and  many  were  the  dollars  lost  and  won. 
Beans  were  the  prevailing  currency  until  the  Paymaster 
arrived,  when  each  individual  bean,  representing  so  much 
value,  was  cashed.  These  set-downs  or  squat-downs  to  a 

130 


Q-        E 
DC       -c 


Q       ^ 

Z       _ 


THE  SUTLERS.  131 

game  of  poker,  euchre  or  "seven-up"  were  frequent  among 
both  officers  and  men,  and  the  invariable  accompaniment 
was  a  canteen  of  commissary  whisky  or  some  vile  decoction 
from  the  sutler.  Gatherings  of  this  character  were  some 
times  attended  with  unpleasant  results.  Some  of  the 

veterans  will  remember  the  shooting  of  Lieutenant  0 

of  the  One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers  at  the  quarters 
of  Lieutenant  Holt  of  the  First  Maryland  Cavalry  in  a 
wrangle  over  a  game  at  cards.  A  witness  to  the  affair  thus 
described  it  to  Doctor  Clark,  who  was  called  to  attend  the 
wounded  man:  "You  see,  they  were  drunk!  and  got  into  a 
skirmish  over  the  game,  and  all  at  once  Lieutenant  Holt,  of 
the  Cavalry,  snatched  a  pistol  from  the  table  and  said.  '  D-n 
you!  I  will  shoot  you!'  and  sure  enough,  the  pistol 
exploded  and  we  thought  we  had  a  dead  man ;  but  he  rallied, 
you  see,  Sir,  and  there  he  is."  The  Lieutenant  was  badly 
shot  through  the  face.  He  was  taken  into  the  hospital,  and 
after  recovery  received  a  "leave  of  absence"  for  sixty  days. 
He  never  returned  to  his  regiment,  resigning  his  commission. 
He  was  badly  disfigured  for  life. 

Gambling  was  interdicted  in  the  command.  Yet  it  was 
not  and  could  not  be  wholly  suppressed,  although  a  careful 
watch  was  always  kept  and  punishment  often  inflicted.  The 
regimental  sutlers  also  came  under  surveillance  from  the 
fact  that  they  were  constantly  selling  intoxicating  liquors 
under  false  names,  and  which  were  brought  into  the  depart 
ment  in  cases  that  were  variously  marked  as  "boots  and 
shoes,"  "preserved  fruits,"  etc.,  and  it  was  found  necessary 
to  appoint  a  "Board  of  Administration"  to  examine  their 
goods  and  govern  their  prices.  This  board  convened  as 
occasion  justified,  but  generally  once  a  month.  The  sutlers 
protested  vigorously  against  the  rulings  of  this  "board,"  but 
it  was  of  no  avail.  It  was  doing  a  much -needed  service  to 
the  soldier  who  with  his  thirteen  dollars  per  month  could  ill 
afford  to  pay  such  outrageous  prices  as  were  demanded  for 


132  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

little  comforts.  Besides,  their  traffic  in  sweets  and  other 
indigestible  goods  wonderfully  increased  the  sick  list, 
pandering  to  the  vitiated  appetites  of  the  soldiers  with  their 
displays  of  edibles,  giving,  as  it  were,  "stones  for  bread." 

June  14th,  Generals  Gilmore  and  Seymour  made  their 
appearance  on  the  island,  and  it  was  evident  that  operations 
were  to  be  commenced  in  earnest.  Since  the  bombardment 
of  Fort  Sumter,  when  nothing  of  importance  was  accom 
plished,  there  had  been  but  little  done  in  the  matter  of 
effecting  the  reduction  of  the  forts  in  Charleston  harbor. 

o 

Gilmore  had  succeeded  General  Hunter  in  the  command  of 
the  land  forces,  and  Admiral  Dahlgren  had  superseded 
Dupont,  who  had  never  been  very  sanguine  after  his  first 
attempt  and  failure.  It  was  fully  understood  that  Gilmore 
should  pursue  his  own  plans,  untrammelled  by  any  outside 
influences,  and  he  and  Dahlgren  were  to  co-operate. 

Troops  were  arriving  daily  in  large  numbers,  and  we 
began  to  consider  that  an  active  campaign  was  about  com 
mencing  in  which  there  would  be  some  serious  fighting. 
There  were  in  the  Department  of  the  South  at  this  time  some 
eighteen  thousand  troops,  all  well  drilled  and  disciplined, 
and  of  the  very  best  material,  all  being  volunteers  who  had 
enlisted  in  1861  for  the  purpose  of  putting  down  the  Re 
bellion — not  hirelings  or  drafted  men.  Only  about  eleven 
thousand  of  these  troops  could  be  concentrated  for  active 
service,  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  Gilmore  had  a  coast 
line  of  twenty-five  hundred  miles  to  picket  and  garrison. 

The  plan  of  operations  to  be  pursued  was,  first,  to  take 
the  south  end  of  Morris  Island;  second,  to  reduce  the  forts 
on  Morris  Island;  third,  to  destroy  Fort  Sumter,  and  then, 
with  the  help  of  Dahlgren,  to  threaten  and  demand  the  sur 
render  of  Charleston.  These  plans  were  all  feasible  and 
were  eventually  most  effectually  carried  out,  but  required  a 
vast  sacrifice  of  life,  as  is  now  known. 

Heavy  ordnance  and  ordnance  stores  were  continually 


THE  EVE   OF  THE  ASSAULT.  133 

arriving,  chiefly  one-hundred-pounder  Parrott  guns  and  fif 
teen-inch  mortars.  The  battery  at  the  head  of  Folly  Island, 
made  of  sand  and  marsh  sod,  was  soon  completed  and  ready 
for  its  guns,  and  by  the  1st  of  July  forty-eight  heavy  guns 
were  in  position ;  and  so  quietly  did  the  work  progress  that 
the  rebels  were  totally  unconscious  that  such  a  thing  existed 
until  it  was  uncovered  on  the  10th  of  July,  and  spoke  for 
itself  in  away  that  produced  much  discomfiture  to  the  rebels. 
The  enemy  undoubtedly  knew  that  we  were  being  reinforced, 
for  they  were  more  active  and  annoying,  not  a  day  passing 
without  their  opening  up  with  a  shower  of  shot  and  shell, 
which  would  continue  for  an  hour  or  two,  and  at  intervals 
during  the  night. 

The  men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  were  about  worn  out  by 
constant  picket  and  fatigue  duty,  with  loss  of  sleep,  and  were 
ordered  to  Cole's  Island  for  a  rest,  the  Sixty-Second  and 
Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  taking  its  place  at  Camp  Sey 
mour.  July  7th  a  Field  Hospital  was  organized  near  the 
head  of  the  island,  and  prepared  to  receive  wounded  men, 
Surgeon  William  Brown,  of  the  Seventh  New  Hampshire 
Volunteers  being  placed  in  charge,  and  Surgeon  M.  S.  Kit- 
tinger,  of  the  One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers,  and 
Surgeon  Clark,  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  detailed  as  operating 
surgeons.  The  weather  was  generally  fair,  with  a  tempera 
ture  ranging  from  87°  to  96°  in  the  shade,  but  the  nights 
were  cool,  and  it  was  always  comfortable  to  sleep  under 
neath  a  blanket. 

July  8th,  orders  were  received  to  be  prepared  to  move 
at  a  moment's  notice.  Tents  were  struck  and  the  whole 
equipage  of  camp  placed  in  care  of  the  quartermaster.  The 
sick  and  wounded  were  ordered  sent  away  to  Northern  hos 
pitals,  and  the  ambulances  and  hospital  tents  were  taken  to 
the  field  hospital.  This  was  all  accomplished  on  the  evening 
of  the  9th,  and.  we  patiently  awaited  the  signal  for  attack. 
In  the  meantime  General  Alfred  H.  Terry,  in  command  of 


134  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

some  three  thousand  men,  among  whom  was  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois,  was  sent  over  on  James  Island  to  divert  the 
attention  of  the  enemy. 

Brigadier-General  George  C.  Strong  had  already  selected 
six  regiments  to  make  the  assault  on  Morris  Island.  They 
were  the  Forty -Eighth  New  York  Volunteers,  Seventy-Sixth 
Pennsylvania,  Sixth  and  Seventh  Connecticut,  Third  New 
Hampshire,  and  Ninth  Maine,  and  they  were  in  place  on 
Folly  river  where  the  boats  were  in  waiting  to  convey  them 
across  the  inlet.  General  Vogdes  had  command  of  the  reserve 
force,  consisting  of  the  Sixty-Second  and  Sixty-Seventh 
Ohio,  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania,  One  Hundredth  New 
York,  and  Battery  B,  First  U.  S.  Artillery.  The  batteries  at 
the  head  of  the  island  were  commanded  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Jackson  and  Major  L.  L.  Langdon,  First  U.  S. 
Artillery. 

The  hours  of  the  night  of  the  9th  passed  very  slowly 
and  very  quietly  away,  but  at  sunrise,  the  morning  of  the 
10th,  thirty-two  guns  and  fifteen  mortars  opened  fire  upon 
the  Confederates,  and  a  few  minutes  later  four  monitors  had 
taken  position  and  opened  with  fifteen  and  eleven-inch  guns 
on  the  rebel  left,  and  four  howitzer-launches  pulled  into 
position  and  opened  on  the  enemy's  right;  and  for  three 
hours  the  fire  of  sixty  guns  was  concentrated  on  the  rebel 
position.  About  seven  o'clock  General  Strong  was  signalled 
to  advance, — which  was  done  in  a  gallant  and  vigorous  man 
ner,  and  in  twenty  minutes  his  boats  were  in  the  surf  on  the 
Morris  Island  shore,  with  the  loss  of  only  one  boat  and  two 
men  wounded.  The  regiments  formed  quickly  after  leaving 
the  boats,  and,  with  General  Strong  at  their  head,  pressed 
forward,  driving  the  rebels  out  of  their  first  and  second  line 
of  rifle-pits.  On  they  swept,  victorious,  over  the  sand  dunes, 
past  the  old  Beacon  House  and  up  to  within  rifle  shot  of 
Fort  Wagner,  where  the  rebels  had  hurriedly  retreated  and 
made  a  stand.  Dr.  Kittinger  and  the  writer  witnessed  the 


PART   OF  MORRIS  ISLAND    CAPTURED.  135 

most  of  this  assault  from  the  ''Lookout"  near  the  head  of 
Folly  Island,  and  only  retired  when  the  wounded  were 
brought  to  the  hospital,  which  was  near  by.  Three-fourths 
of  Morris  Island  was  now  in  our  possession,  and  the  whole 
of  it  might  have  been  had  the  troops  pushed  on,  according 
to  a  rebel  account,  which  says:  "Only  a  little  dash  on  the 
part  of  the  Union  army  would  have  given  them  the  whole  of 
the  island.  All  they  had  to  do  was  to  press  on  with  even 
one-half  of  the  troops  they  had  landed.  In  my  opinion  it 
did  not  justify  their  excess  of  prudence ;  fortunately,  however, 
it  saved  us." 

Our  losses  in  this  affair  were  53  killed  and  wounded,  of 


BEACON  HOUSE. 

whom  14  were  killed.  The  Confederate  loss  was  294,  of  whom 
127  were  prisoners.  We  captured  twelve  guns,  several  flags, 
and  many  tents  and  small  arms.  A  pontoon  was  now  thrown 
across  the  inlet,  and  the  reserves  and  other  troops  ordered 
across.  Another  hospital  was  also  established  at  the  south 
end  of  the  island. 

The  first  wounded  men  to  receive  attention  were  two 
gunners  who  were  injured  by  the  premature  explosion  of  a 
gun.  They  were  so  mangled  that  they  suffered  amputation 
of  both  arms ;  and  besides,  their  sight  was  destroyed.  The 
wounded  were  attended  to  as  speedily  as  possible  and  sent  to 


136  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  hospital  boat  "  Cosmopolitan,"  at  the  foot  of  Folly  Island, 
for  transfer  to  Hilton  Head. 

It  was  determined  that  Fort  Wagner  should  be  carried 
by  assault  the  next  morning,  and  three  regiments  were 
selected, — the  Ninth  Maine,  Seventh  Connecticut  and  Sev 
enty-Sixth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  and  General  Strong 
was  to  lead  them.  At  daybreak  on  the  llth  he  had  formed 
the  assaulting  column  of  the  regiments  mentioned  with  the 
Third  and  Seventh  New  Hampshire  Volunteers  as  reserves. 
The  Seventh  Connecticut  led  the  advance  and  strictly  fol 
lowed  the  orders  that  had  been  given;  "  But  unfortunately," 
says  General  Strong  in  his  report,  "when  the  enemy  opened 
fire  along  the  whole  line,  and  within  a  range  of  two  hundred 


FOET  WAGNEB.     POINT  OF  FIRST  ASSAULT. 

yards,  the  Seventy-Sixth  Pennsylvania  halted  and  lay  down 
upon  the  ground.  Though  they  remained  in  this  position 
but  a  few  minutes,  and  afterwards  moved  gallantly  forward, 
some  of  them  even  to  the  ditch,  that  halt  lost  the  battle,  for 
the  interval  was  lost  and  the  Seventh  Connecticut,  unsup 
ported,  was  driven  from  the  parapet  and  the  force  retired." 

Our  losses  were  eight  officers  and  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two  men.  The  loss  to  the  enemy  was  one  officer  and 
five  men  killed,  and  one  officer  and  five  men  wounded.  The 
Confederate  force  in  Wagner  at  the  time  was  about  twelve 
hundred  officers  and  men. 

The  following  Confederate  account  of  this  assault  was 
taken  from  a  Charleston  paper  of  July  18th,  and  was  written 
by  Col.  Kian,  who  commanded  the  picket  line  (rebel)  that 
morning : 


FIRST  ASSAULT   ON  FORT    WAGNER.  137 

At  peep  of  day  my  attention  was  called  to  a  dark  mass  approaching 
my  front.  When  about  twenty-five  yards  off  I  ordered  the  videttes  to  "  fire 
by  file."  which  they  did;  then  the  whole  battalion  rose,  formed  lines,  and 
gave  an  almost  simultaneous  "yell."  This  meant  for  me  "all  right;"  for 
Battery  Wagner,  "They  are  coming."  My  first  line  had  come  to  a  "ready;" 
we  could  see  the  beard  on  the  faces  of  the  Federals.  "Aim — fire!"  Then  a 
sheet  of  flame  bursts  into  the  advancing  line;  this  doubles  up  their  front,  but 
on  comes  the  body  at  a  "double-quick."  We  fall  back,  loading  as  we  retire, 
and  form  on  the  left  of  the  second  line,  coming  to  a  "ready,  aim — fire!"  and 
we  poured  another  volley  into  their  faces.  Their  front  staggers,  but  on 
come  the  survivors  at  a  stately  "  double-quick."  We  fall  back  to  the  third 
line,  the  whole  battalion  coming  to  a  "ready;"  they  are  now  within  ten 
steps  of  us.  "Aim— fire!"  for  the  last  time.  The  effect  is  terrific— it 
appears  as  when  a  wind  strikes  the  stalks  of  a  wheat  field.  I  actually  felt 
sorry  for  them.  It  was  "war,"  hence  "fair,"  but  it  did  seem  to  me  that  we 
were  taking  unfair  advantage  of  them;  they  could  not  stop  to  fire  upon  us, 
for  time  was  all-important  to  them;  their  success  depended  on  reaching 
the  battery  without  delay,  and  hence  they  had  to  receive  these  dreadful 
volleys  without  responding.  The  enemy  dashed  on,  but  barely  gave  us  time 
to  reach  the  inside  of  the  works  before  they  were  repulsed. 

After  this  repulse  General  Gilmore  and  Admiral  Dahl- 
gren  consulted  and  it  was  decided  that  no  more  assaults 
should  be  made  until  works  had  been  erected,  and  Wagner 
destroyed  by  bombardment;  and  work  at  once  began,  erect 
ing  batteries.  The  Thirty-Ninth  had  taken  no  part  in  these 
assaults.  It  returned  from  James  Island  on  the  llth  and 
made  encampment  about  midway  between  Fort  Wagner  and 
the  south  end  of  the  island.  The  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers  had  been  attached  to  our  brigade  at  St.  Helena 
Island,  and  Colonel  Joshua  B.  Howell,  its  commander,  being 
senior  in  rank,  was  acting  brigadier-general. 

Morris  Island  is  a  narrow  ridge  of  sand  formed  by 
accumulations  from  the  beach,  having  an  area  of  about  four 
hundred  acres.  It  is  wider  at  its  southern  than  in  its  northern 
part,  the  extremity  on  Lighthouse  Inlet  being  about  one 
thousand  yards  in  width.  Its  surface  is  irregular  and  broken 
by  sand  ridges  or  dunes,  affording  excellent  shelter  for  troops. 
It  gradually  slopes  inwards,  terminating  in  a  series  of 
marshes.  The  northern  extremity  was  very  narrow,  terrain- 


138 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


ating  in  what  is  called  Cummings  Point,  and  distant  from 
Charleston  about  five  and  a  half  miles.  The  main  channel 
into  the  harbor  was  some  twelve  hundred  yards  distant  and 
parallel  to  the  island.  On  Cummings  Point  was  located 
Fort  Gregg,  and  about  two  thousand  yards  this  side  (south) 
was  Fort  Wagner.  Heavy  details  were  made  every  few  days 
from  the  regiment  to  work  in  the  intrenchments  and  for 
grand  guard  duty  at  the  front.  Fort  Sumter  and  the  batteries 
on  Sullivan's  Island  kept  up  an  almost  continuous  fire  across 
Fort  Wagner  upon  our  trenches  and  not  a  day  passed  that 
one  or  more  men  were  not  killed  or  wounded.  Gilmore, 
however,  soon  had  some  twenty-six  heavy  guns  in  position 


FOBT  WAGNER.     SEA  FBONT. 

and  vigorously  returned  the  enemy's  fire,  and  in  great  part 
put  a  stop  to  this  constant  annoyance,  enabling  our  men  to 
more  easily,  rapidly  and  safely  push  forward  the  work.  Lines 
of  rifle-pits  were  thrown  across  the  island  in  front  of  the 
batteries  and  were  constantly  advanced.  Fort  Wagner  was 
never  silent. 

Work  thus  continued,  preparing  for  the  great  assault 
which  was  soon  to  take  place.  At  last  the  morning  of  the 
18th  July,  1863,  dawned  and  gave  promise  of  a  hot,  sultry 
day.  In  the  early  morning  the  fleet  of  ironclads  and  other 
vessels,  under  the  command  of  Admiral  Dahlgren,  were  seen 
in  motion  moving  up  the  channel  towards  Battery  Wagner, 
prepared  for  the  great  bombardment.  The  "Ironsides"  led, 
followed  by  the  monitors  "Weehawken,"  "  Patapsco,"  "Nan- 


SECOND  ASSAULT   ON  FORT   WAGNER.  139 

tucket,"  "Montauk"  and  "  Catskill,"  and  the  wooden  vessels 
"Seneca,"  "Paul  Jones,"  "Ottawa,"  "  Chippewa,"  and 
"  Wissahickon,"  with  six  mortar  boats.  They  were  soon  in 
position  and  opened  fire  upon  Fort  Wagner.  Our  land  bat 
teries  opened  fire  at  the  same  time,  and  for  a  period  of  some 
eleven  hours  an  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  from  over  one 
hundred  guns,  and  within  this  time  over  nine  thousand  shells 
were  hurled  against  Wagner.  The  enemy's  firing  was  also 
rapid,  throwing  from  their  various  forts  an  average  of  four 
teen  shots  per  minute.  The  shells  thrown  from  our  guns 
were  so  timed  that  when  they  struck  or  reached  Battery 
Wagner  they  exploded,  raising  vast  columns  of  sand  and 
burying  many  of  the  guns,  and  uncovering  to  a  great  extent 
the  bomb-proofs.  The  bombardment  as  witnessed  by  many 
of  us  from  the  summit  of  the  sand  hills  above  our  camp  was 
grand  and  terrifying,  and  when  the  mind  contemplated  the 
assault  that  was  to  take  place,  with  the  inevitable  loss  of  life 
that  must  follow,  it  was  filled  with  sorrowful  forebodings  and 
sickening  fears  that  brought  pallor  to  the  face  and  tears  to 
the  heart,  if  not  to  the  eye. 

At  seven  o'clock  P.M.  the  assaulting  columns  commenced 
forming  at  a  distance  of  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
from  the  fort.  General  Strong's  brigade  had  the  advance 
and  was  composed  as  previously  in  the  assault  of  the  llth, 
with  the  addition  of  a  regiment  of  colored  troops— the  Fifty- 
Fourth  Massachusetts,  commanded  by  Colonel  Robert  G. 
Shaw.  Why  this  regiment  of  colored  men  was  chosen  and 
placed  at  the  head  of  the  assaulting  party  is  unknown.  It 
may  have  been  for  political  reasons,  or  to  allow  a  race  so 
lately  emancipated  from  slavery  to  share  in  the  glory  of  this 
undertaking;  or  again,  it  may  have  been  to  infuriate  the 
rebels.  But  no  matter  what  the  reason  was,  placing  them 
in  this  position  and  at  the  last  moment,  took  up  valuable 
time. 

Darkness    was  approaching,    made    more    dusky  by   a 


140  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

storm  that  threatened.  Putnam's  brigade  was  in  support  of 
Strong's  and  Stephenson's  followed.  The  balance  of  the 
troops  on  the  island  were  also  under  arms,  back  midway  of 
the  island.  The  whole  of  the  assaulting  force  was  under 
command  of  General  Seymour.  General  Gilmore  was  back, 
on  the  island. 

At  half -past  seven  P.M.  the  order  to  charge  on  the 
double-quick  was  given  by  General  Strong,  and  is  thus 
described  by  an  eye-witness  and  one  who  participated  in  it: 

The  Fifty-Fourth  Massachusetts  (colored),  six  hundred  and  forty 
strong,  at  the  command  "charge!"  started  out  on  the  "double  quick  "  in 
column  of  "  wings,"  with  the  right  resting  on  the  sea,  and  passed  obliquely 
to  the  left  towards  the  land  face  of  the  fort.  They  were  met  by  fully  twice 
their  number  in  the  garrison,  who  opened  upon  them  when  within  one 
hundred  yards  of  the  battery  with  a  terrific  volley  of  grape,  shrapnel  and 
musketry  which  had  the  effect  of  turning  back  the  majority  of  the  regi 
ment.  A  small  number,  however,  still  followed  their  brave  colonel  across 
the  moat  or  ditch  and  up  the  sides  of  the  fort,  and  succeeded  in  planting 
their  flag  upon  the  ramparts;  there  Colonel  Shaw  was  shot  dead  together 
with  many  of  his  brave  men;  the  others  were  panic-stricken,  and  fled. 

General  Strong  with  the  balance  of  his  brigade  remained  still  stand 
ing  in  columns  of  companies  awaiting  orders.  It  was  not  until  the  negroes 
had  been  repulsed  that  he  again  gave  the  order  "Column,  forward!  double- 
quick,  march!  "  and  forward  the  brigade  rushed,  the  Sixth  Connecticut 
leading.  All  was  quiet  as  the  grave  save  the  clatter  of  our  tramp;  not  a 
gun  was  fired;  the  darkness  of  night  was  fast  closing  around  us.  As  we 
neared  the  ditch,  which  contained  some  three  feet  of  water,  the  parapet  of 
the  fort  seemed  to  swarm  with  the  enemy,  who  gave  a  fearful  "  yell "  and 
then  opened  a  withering  fire  with  cannon  and  musketry.  The  column 
reeled  and  swayed,  and  many  fell;  it  was  light  as  day  with  the  incessant 
flashes  of  the  guns;  the  air  was  filled  with  the  cheers  of  the  living  and  the 
moans  of  the  dying  as  they  fell  under  the  deadly  missiles  of  the  enemy 
until  they  lay  in  rows  and  heaps  far  up  the  fatal  slope  of  the  battery.  The 
solid  column  of  a  few  moments  ago  had  melted  away,  with  here  and  there 
a  man  standing  in  the  gathering  gloom;  but  they  continued  to  press 
forward,  stumbling  over  spikes,  spear-heads  and  wire  entanglements  that 
had  been  placed  with  fiendish  ingenuity  to  impede  progress.  We  reached 
the  southeast  bastion,  the  strongest  part  of  the  works,  drove  the  rebels 
from  their  guns;  followed  them  over  the  terrace,  and  over  the  superior 
slope,  and  at  last  stood  upon  the  parapet — one  hundred  and  forty  men,  a 
mere  handful — victorious!  But  at  what  a  cost!  We  stood  there  in  the 
darkness,  awaiting  orders  and  reinforcements,  but  none  came.  Nearly 


THE  KILLED  AND    WOUNDED.  141 

three  hours  passed,  each  man  acting  for  himself,  until  the  enemy,  having 
been  reinforced,  made  an  assault  which  we  could  not  withstand  and  had  to 
surrender. 

The  Second  Brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Putnam, 
had  in  the  meantime  made  a  furious  charge  to  reinforce 
those  in  the  fort,  but  it  was  now  dark,  and  they  were  driven 
back;  and  at  last,  late  in  the  night,  the  shattered  remnant  of 
these  brigades  fell  back,  with  Fort  Wagner  no  nearer  taken 
than  it  had  been  in  the  morning.  General  Strong  was  mor 
tally  wounded.  Colonel  Putnam  was  killed  just  as  he 
reached  the  fort.  Colonel  Shaw  had  been  killed  at  the  first 
assault  and  was  buried  the  next  morning  in  a  pit  along  with 
his  dead  negroes.  Eight  hundred  of  our  dead  were  left 
behind  and  rudely  buried  in  the  sand  the  next  morning  by 
the  Confederate  soldiers.  General  Seymour  was  also  wounded. 
Every  field  officer  at  the  front,  with  the  exception  of  Major 
Plympton  of  the  Third  New  Hampshire,  had  been  killed  or 
wounded,  and  the  entire  Union  loss  in  this  assault  was  fully 
twenty-five  hundred  officers  and  enlisted  men,  although  it 
was  never  fully  ascertained.  General  Gilmore's  quarterly 
report  ending  July  20th,  1863,  showed  that  since  the  com 
mencement  of  his  operations  on  Morris  Island  he  had  lost 
thirty-three  per  cent,  of  his  troops  (thirteen  thousand)  in 
killed,  wounded,  missing  and  sick.  The  Sixth  and  Seventh 
Connecticut  and  the  Forty-Eighth  New  York  had  been  more 
than  decimated  in  number. 

Was  this  assault  a  sacrifice  of  life  to  incompetency  ? 
There  were  many  bad,  almost  stupid  blunders  in  the  man 
agement  of  this  assault,  but  it  is  not  the  intention  of  the 
writer  to  point  them  out  or  attempt  an  explanation,  even 
were  he  competent.  It  was  considered  by  the  country  a  most 
disastrous  failure,  and  history  has  never  done  full  justice  to 
the  courage  and  heroism  there  displayed. 

The  hospital  at  the  south  end  of  the  island,  consisting 
chiefly  of  shelters  for  the  operating  tables,  presented  a  most 


142  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

distressing  and  sickening  sight  even  to  the  experienced  sur 
geon,  during  the  whole  night  of  the  18th  and  a  part  of  the 
following  day.  As  fast  as  the  wounded  could  be  cared  for 
they  were  placed  upon  the  hospital  transport  to  be  taken  to 
Hilton  Head. 

In  a  few  days  many  of  the  Eastern  troops  were  ordered 
away  to  Hilton  Head  and  some  to  Florida,  but  our  division 
remained,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General  A.  H. 
Terry. 

Work  was  at  once  commenced  again  at  the  front  with 
the  spade  (which  was  becoming  known  as  the  "  Gilmore 
rifle''),  and  sapping  and  mining  and  running  parallels  was 


BOMB-PBOOF. 

vigorously  prosecuted  by  heavy  details  of  men  from  the 
various  brigades  both  night  and  day,  and  exposed  to  constant 
fire  from  the  enemy.  Numbers  of  heavy  guns  were  also 
arriving,  mostly  three  hundred-pounder  Parrotts,  and  were 
hauled  up  the  beach  by  teams  of  twenty  or  more  horses  to 
the  positions  they  were  to  occupy. 

In  our  hours  of  rest  by  day  we  were  called  upon  to  fight 
innumerable  nuisances  in  the  shape  of  sand-flies,  fleas,  and 
other  pests;  and  besides,  the  heat  was  most  intense  and 
debilitating.  At  night  the  mosquitoes  made  it  lively  for  us, 
and  after  an  uneasy  sleep  it  was  no  unusual  thing  to  awaken 
with  the  eyes,  nose,  and  mouth  filled  with  sand  that  had 


THE   ACTIVITY   OF  THE  FORTS.  143 

drifted  in  through  the  interstices  of  the  tent.  During  the 
night  and  when  there  would  be  unusual  activity  at  the  forts 
we  would  ascend  the  high  sand-hills  and  watch  the  shells  as 
they  came  towering  up  and  over  and  then  bursting  with  a 
dull,  heavy  sound  and  a  scintillation  that  was  brilliant  in  the 
extreme.  Our  details  at  the  front  were  protected  by  heavy 
bomb-proofs  which  afforded  them  shelter  from  the  storms 
and  security  from  the  enemy's  shot  and  shell.  Occasionally, 
however,  a  litter  would  come  back  bearing  some  poor 
wounded  mortal  to  the  hospital. 

August  20th,  Colonel  Howell,  of  the  Eighty-Fifth 
Pennsylvania,  who  temporarily  commanded  our  brigade,  was 
injured  severely  by  the  falling  in  of  a  bomb-broof  under 
which  he  was  sheltered,  causing  concussion  of  the  brain  and 
scalp  wound.  After  receiving  the  necessary  attention  and  he 
was  able  to  travel  he  was  given  leave  of  absence  and  departed 
for  his  home  near  Philadelphia,  Colonel  Osborn  of  the  Thir 
ty-Ninth  succeeding  him  in  command  of  the  brigade. 

The  location  of  our  quarters  gave  a  splendid  view  of 
the  whole  scene  of  operations.  In  our  front  were  our  heavy 
batteries,  and  almost  continually  in  exercise,  together  with 
Forts  Sumter,  Wagner,  Gregg  and  the  batteries  on  Sullivan's 
Island.  At  our  right  was  the  imposing  fleet,  under  com 
mand  of  Admiral  Dahlgren,  and  at  night  the  ships  were 
splendidly  lit  up  with  signal  lights  and  rockets.  The  scene 
presented  was  enjoyable,  but  when  we  thought  of  all  this 
combination  engaged  in  active  and  fratricidal  warfare,  a 
shade  of  sadness  would  involuntarily  creep  over  us,  and  we 
turned  to  our  beds  wondering  as  to  the  result.  During  the 
subsequent  operations  on  the  parallels,  and  while  Colonel 
Osborn  was  inspecting,  as  "officer  of  the  day,"  the  various 
batteries,  he  was  partially  stunned  by  the  premature  dis 
charge  of  a  three-hundred-pound  gun,  and  was  laid  up  for 
several  days  in  consequence. 

The  second  parallel  was  opened  by  the  flying  sap  at 


144 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


seven  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  fort  on  the  23d  of 
July;  the  third  parallel  at  four  hundred  and  fifty  yards  on 
August  9th ;  and  beyond  this  point  the  trenches  were  pushed 
forward  rapidly,  sometimes  by  the  flying  sap  and  sometimes 
the  full  sap,  as  occasion  required.  The  fourth  parallel  was 
completed  on  the  23d  of  August,  and  the  fifth  parallel,  at  two 
hundred  yards,  was  finished  and  a  ridge  wrested  from  the 
enemy  August  2()th.  Beyond  this  point  there  was  not  front 
enough  for  a  parallel,  and  the  approach  was  made  by  zigzags 
with  sharp  angles. 


FOET    SUMTEB    IN    RuiNS. 

Fort  Sumter  had  been  continuously  bombarded,  and  on 
the  24th  of  August  General  Gilmore  reported  it  a  mass  of 
ruins.  It  was  curious  to  watch  the  heavy  solid  shot  and 
shell  when  they  struck  the  fort,  as  they  invariably  did,  the 
range  being  so  perfect;  and  when  they  did  strike,  a  heavy 
cloud  of  debris  was  lifted,  and  as  it  settled  we  could  plainly 
see  the  break  it  had  made  in  the  wall  of  the  fort. 

In  the  latter  part  of  August  it  was  discovered  that  the 
enemy  had  a  number  of  sharpshooters  in  some  strong  rifle 


.4    DESERTER   FROM  FORT    WAGNER.  ^45 

pits  just  in  advance  of  Fort  Wagner,  and  it  was  determined 
to  dislodge  them.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  picked  men  from 
the  Twenty-Fourth  Massachusetts  Volunteers  were  selected 
to  do  this  business.  They  crept  quietly  to  the  head  of  the 
sap,  and  upon  the  order  being  given  dashed  from  there  over 
the  open  space,  and  soon  found  themselves  at  the  rifle  pits 
in  close  contact  with  the  rebels.  The  enemy  opened  fire 
from  both  Wagner  and  Gregg,  and  for  a  short  time  the  air 
was  full  of  death.  The  Union  boys  received  the  fire  from 
the  rifle  pits,  which  did  but  little  execution — the  aim  had 
been  too  high,  and  before  the  "graybacks"  could  reload, 
seventy-five  of  them  were  taken  prisoners.  From  that  time 
until  the  fall  of  Wagner  no  Confederates  ventured  outside 
the  fort  in  our  direction. 

September  1st,  a  large  number  of  light  mortars  were 
taken  to  the  front,  and  the  position  for  the  sharpshooters  was 
enlarged;  and  on  the  morning  of  the  5th  another  heavy 
bombardment  by  the  land  batteries  was  commenced,  and 
continued  for  a  period  of  forty-two  hours,  the  whole  fire 
being  concentrated  upon  battery  Wagner.  On  the  evening 
of  the  6th,  five  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  were  ordered 
to  the  front  as  "grand  guards"  at  the  trenches,  and  a  like 
number  from  some  of  the  other  regiments,  all  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann.  At  or  near  mid 
night  a  young  man,  an  Irishman,  small  in  stature,  and  whose 
clothing  was  dripping  with  sea  brine,  was  brought  by  a 
corporal  of  the  guard  before  the  commanding  officer  as  a 
deserter  from  Fort  Wagner,  and  who  stated  that  the  fort  was 
being  evacuated  by  the,  rebels.  Upon  being  questioned,  he 
said,  "I  deserted  because  I  have  no  love  for  the  rebels  or 
their  cause.  I  was  taken  some  few  months  ago  from  a  vessel 
that  had  run  the  blockade  from  the  Bermudas,  and  placed  in 
Fort  Wagner  as  a  soldier,  and  I  want  to  go  home.  The 
majority  of  the  garrison  of  the  fort  have  gone,  leaving  a 
squad  of  men  to  set  fire  to  the  fuse  connecting  with  the 


146  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

powder  magazines,  with  the  intent  to  blow  you  all  up,  and  I 
escaped  and  made  my  way  by  swimming  around  to  you  in 
order  to  give  the  information."  He  was  told  that  the  matter 
would  be  immediately  inquired  into,  and  if  the  intelligence 
he  brought  proved  true  that  he  would  be  rewarded  and  sent 
home;  if  otherwise,  he  would  certainly  be  shot.  "Well,  sor, 
I'll  take  the  chances!"  said  he.  He  was  given  in  charge  of 
the  guards,  to  be  taken  to  General  Gilmore,  but  not  before  a 
rough  plan  of  the  fort  was  drawn,  with  a  request  for  him 
to  point  out  the  location  of  the  magazines,  which  he  did. 
Just  previous  to  the  arrival  of  this  man,  General  Gilmore 
had  sent  up  a  dispatch  from  his  headquarters  on  Folly  Island, 
inquiring  about  the  working  of  the  calcium  lights  that  had 
recently  been  placed  in  position.  The  answer  had  been 
returned,  and  Lieutenant- Colonel  Mann,  in  his  hurry  and 
excitement  over  the  good  news,  sent  the  following  dispatch 
to  General  Gilmore  direct,  forgetting  the  courtesy  due  the 
Division  Commander,  Brigadier-General  Terry,  through 
whom  it  should  have  been  sent: 

12:05  O'CLOCK  A.  M. 

General  Gilmore:  A  deserter  just  in  from  Wagner  reports  that  they 
have  evacuated  the  fort,  except  a  few  men  left  to  blow  up  the  magazines; 
says  they  have  gone  to  Fort  Gregg.  Shall  I  turn  my  guns  on  it?  Prisoner 
is  Irish,  and  swam  in.  Have  sent  him  to  you. 

LT.-COL.  0.  L.  MANN. 

To  this  the  following  answer  was  returned: 

12:15  O'CLOCK  A.  M. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann:  Turn  all  your  batteries  on  Gregg. 

GENEBAL  GILMOBE. 
1:10  A.  M. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann:  Cease  firing  on  Gregg  and  open  on  Wagner 
actively  for  about  fifteen  minutes;  then  gradually  slacken;  then  cease. 
When  you  have  ceased,  send  five  resolute  men  from  the  head  of  the  sap 
into  the  fort  to  ascertain  whether  it  is  evacuated.  If  it  is  evacuated  send 
in  twenty  men  to  seize  any  men  who  may  be  lurking  there  to  blow  up  the 
magazine.  GENEBAL  Q.  A.  GILMOBE. 

1:20  A.  M. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann:  If  the  fort  is  evacuated  send  the  calcium 
light  up  to  Wagner  and  put  it  on  the  parapet  of  the  sea-face,  so  that  it 


WAGNER  EVACUATED. 

will  be  sheltered  from  James  Island  and  Fort  Johnson.     Let  the  light  be 
thrown  on  Gregg  and  the  intervening  ground. 

GENERAL  A.  H.  TERRY. 

3:30  A.  M. 

General  Gilmore:  One  of  the  five  men  sent  in  has  returned  and 
reports  all  quiet.  Captain  James  Wightman  and  twenty  men  have  gone 
in  and  the  colors  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  are  planted  on  the  ramparts. 

LT.-COL.  O.  L.  MANN. 

The  telegraph  line  was  now  ordered  to  be  extended  and 
taken  into  Fort  Wagner.  At  five  o'clock  A.M.  General 
Terry  had  his  division  under  arms  and  in  motion  proceeding 
to  Forts  Wagner  and  Gregg.  One  regiment  was  left  to 
garrison  Fort  Gregg  and  the  Second  Brigade,  one  thousand 
strong,  was  put  into  Fort  Wagner,  while  the  balance  of  the 
troops  were  sent  back  to  quarters. 

At  eight  o'clock  A.M.  the  telegraph  line  was  completed 
to  Fort  Wagner  by  Lieutenant  Dana,  and  the  first  dispatch 
to  be  sent  over  the  completed  line  was  the  following; 

8:20  O'CLOCK  A.  M. 

General  Gilmore:  The  general  officer  of  the  trenches  sends  his  compli 
ments  and  congratulations  to  the  General  commanding,  from  the  bomb 
proof  in  fallen  Fort  Wagner.  His  confidence  in  God  and  General  Gilmore 
is  unshaken.  LT.-COL.  O.  L.  MANN. 

Among  the  five  men  who  volunteered  to  enter  the  fort 
after  the  news  of  its  being  evacuated,  was  Private  Cornelius 
Cox  of  Company  G,  and  with  a  view  of  giving  as  much 
information  as  possible  concerning  the  occupation  of  this 
formidable  battery,  the  brief  and  modest  account  of  Cox  is 
here  inserted. 

STATEMENT    OF    CORNELIUS    COX. 

Some  time  after  midnight  September  7th,  a  man  came  in  from 
battery  Wagner,  having  swam  out  in  the  water  to  elude  detection,  and 
reported  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  trenches  that  Wagner  was 
being  evacuated.  Soon  after,  Major  Liiiton  came  around  and  called  for 
volunteers  from  each  company  to  enter  the  fort  and  ascertain  whether  the 
report  was  true  or  false.  I  volunteered  for  Company  G.  There  were  five 
of  us.  We  separated,  and  passed  around  on  top  of  the  parapet  until 
opposite  each  other,  and  then  came  through  the  fort  and  met  in  the  center. 
While  we  were  doing  this,  the  rebels  fired  two  shots  from  their  small 
mortars,  which  was  the  last  of  them.  After  looking  around  and  finding 


148  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

some  of  the  guns  spiked,  one  of  the  five  was  sent  back  to  report  the  fort 
evacuated,  after  which  the  regiment  marched  in  and  took  possession. 
This  was  just  at  daybreak.  I  did  not  see  any  lighted  fuse,  but  was 
informed  afterwards  that  one  of  the  five  before  mentioned  did  find  a 
lighted  fuse,  supposed  to  lead  to  the  magazine,  and  cut  it.  I  do  not  think 
any  particular  officer,  man  or  company  is  entitled  to  credit  for  first  occu 
pying  the  fort  after  the  fact  had  been  established  that  it  had  been 
evacuated.  I  do  not  write  this  because  I  wish  to  figure  as  a  hero,  for  I  am 
aware  that  it  would  be  unjust  to  mention  names,  unless  all  that  did  their 
duty  could  be  mentioned;  but  I  do  think  five  men  from  the  regiment, 
regardless  of  any  particular  company,  are  entitled  to  the  credit  of  first 
entering  Fort  Wagner  under  very  perilous  circumstances. 

I  may  add  that  we  each  received  a  complimentary  "  furlough  "  of 
thirty  days  indorsed  by  General  Quincy  A.  Gilmore  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Orrin  L.  Mann. 

There  was  great  rejoicing  over  the  downfall  of  this 
great  earthwork — the  most  formidable  of  ancient  or  modern 
times,  that  had  successfully  withstood  the  combined  efforts 
of  both  army  and  navy  for  nearly  three  months,  and  would 
have  still  held  out  had  there  been  a  larger  force  for  its 
defense.  The  event  was  soon  heralded  in  song. 

"Yes,  Wagner  is  ours!  Oh,  glory,  hurrah! 

Won't  all  those  head  rebels  feel  gay ! 
And  the  greatest  arch-traitor  the  world  ever  saw — 

Old  Jeff— will  feel  tickled  to-day. 
All  honor  and  fame  to  the  gallant  and  brave, 

Who  have  forced  the  '  rebs '  out  of  their  holes; 
Bring  out  the  old  banner,  and  proud  let  it  wave, 
With  the  sun  shining  bright  on  its  folds. 

Then,  hurrah,  boys!  hurrah!  shout  glory  and  sing, 

For  the  traitors  look  sadly  forsaken; 
Our  glorious  old  Eagle  is  still  on  the  wing, 
1  For  Wagner  is  taken!  boys,  taken!" 

The  possession  of  the  whole  of  Morris  Island  placed 
Sumter  and  many  of  the  enemy's  other  forts,  and  the  lower 
part  of  the  city  of  Charleston  within  reach  of  our  guns,  and 
these  forts  were  soon  abandoned.  The  city  of  Charleston, 
however,  had  been  reached  by  shot  and  shell  some  weeks 
previously  by  a  little  battery  known  as  the  "  Swamp  Angel.'' 
This  battery  had  been  constructed  about  the  middle  of  July. 


THE   "SWAMP   ANGEL."  •       149 

General  Gilmore  ordered  Colonel  Surrell  of  the  New  York 
Engineer  regiment  and  Major  Michie  to  explore  the  marsh 
lying  between  Morris  and  James  Islands  in  the  direction  of 
Charleston,  and  report  if  it  was  feasible  to  erect  a  small 
battery  there  whose  shots  could  reach  the  city.  After  three 
days'  patient  investigation  a  favorable  report  was  made,  and 
an  order  was  given  to  one  of  Colonel  Surrell' s  subordinate 
officers,  Captain  Crusoe,  to  make  the  necessary  requisitions 
and  proceed  with  the  work.  This  officer,  after  exploring  the 
marsh  and  finding  the  mud  not  less  than  fifteen  feet  deep, 
closed  his  requisition  by  asking  for  one  hundred  men 


"  SWAMP  ANGEL." 

eighteen  feet  high  to  do  work  in  a  marsh  into  which  they 
were  liable  to  sink  eight  feet.  The  officer  was  arrested 
instead  of  being  promoted  for  his  witticism,  but  the  work 
was  begun.  Planks  were  laid  from  the  island  westward 
across  the  marsh  for  nearly  two  miles  to  the  spot  on  a  small 
creek  designated  for  the  battery,  and  anchored  down  by  sand 
bags  to  keep  them  from  floating  off  in  high  tide.  Over  this 
pathway,  in  single  file,  details  of  soldiers  carried  bags  of 
sand  from  which,  with  the  aid  of  timbers  floated  up  the  creek 
from  Folly  Island,  a  small  fort  with  capacity  for  one  gun 
was  in  due  time  constructed,  and  all  done  under  cover  of 
darkness.  As  soon  as  ready,  a  one-hundred-pounder  Par- 


150         *        THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

rott  gun  was  floated  there  on  a  scow  boat,  under  the  same 
cover,  and  placed  in  position.  The  18th  of  August,  General 
Gilmore,  under  flag  of  truce,  notified  General  Beauregard  of 
the  Confederate  forces  that  he  was  prepared  to  reach  the 
heart  of  the  city  with  his  guns,  and  that  unless  Forts  Wag 
ner,  Gregg  and  Sumter  were  surrendered  to  the  authority  of 
the  United  States,  he  should  bombard  the  city;  and  further 
suggested  that  if  his  demand  was  not  recognized  the  women 
and  children  be  removed  from  the  city.  General  Beauregard 
thought  this  to  be  all  buncombe  on  the  part  of  Gilmore  and 
refused.  The  next  day  the  "Swamp  Angel"  was  trained  011 
the  spire  of  St.  Michael's  church,  plainly  visible,  and  at  two 
o'clock  the  following  morning  the  first  shot  was  fired.  Those 
who  witnessed  the  occurrence  could  trace  the  shell  by  its 
burning  fuse  as  it  went  over  on  its  mission.  Shot  succeeded 
shot  until  the  third,  whose  shell  exploded  in  the  city  of 
Charleston,  and  soon  flames  were  seen  ascending.  It  was 
learned  the  next  day  by  the  "exchanges"  received  by  the 
courtesy  of  the  pickets,  that  this  shell,  charged  with  Greek 
fire,  had  fallen  through  the  roof  of  a  large  building  filled 
with  medical  supplies  and  had  started  a  serious  fire  that  con 
sumed  an  entire  block  of  buildings  before  extinguished.  The 
succeeding  shots  that  were  fired  reached  the  city,  but  none 
proved  so  disastrous  as  did  the  third  one.  At  the  thirty- 
second  shot,  the  reinforcement  or  rear  portion  of  the  gun 
was  blown  out,  and  this  accident  ended  the  brief  but  brilliant 
career  of  this  famous  little  battery.  The  gun  was  never 
replaced,  for  before  a  new  one  could  have  been  placed  in 
position  Forts  Wagner  and  Gregg  had  fallen,  which  brought 
us  within  easy  range  of  the  city.  This  little  battery  took  its 
unique  name  from  a  remark  made  by  a  member  of  the  Thir 
ty-Ninth  Eegiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers.  As  a  Chicago 
paper  said  at  the  time  of  the  fall  of  Wagner,  "the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  regiment  being  the  only  one  in  that  military 
department  from  Illinois,  it  of  course  was  expected  to  furnish 


THE   "SWAMP  ANGEL"   SENT  NORTH.  151 

a  name  for  the  most  famous  little  fort  ever  erected,  and  be 
the  first  to  plant  its  colors  on  the  strongest  earthworks  ever 
constructed."  Late  at  night  the  adjutant  of  the  regiment 
made  a  detail  of  fifty  men  to  help  construct  the  pathway 
across  the  marsh.  When  they  returned  early  next  morning, 
all  covered  with  mud  and  slush,  Corporal  John  Kipp  of  Com 
pany  K,  a  good  deal  of  a  wag,  was  asked  where  on  earth  he 
had  been  and  what  he  had  been  doing  to  get  so  bespattered. 
"I  will  tell  you,"  replied  the  jolly  corporal.  "We  have  been 
out  in  the  great  marsh,  and  as  nearly  as  I  can  guess  we  have 
been  constructing  a  pulpit  of  sand  for  some  swamp  angel 
to  preach  from."  From  this  little  incident  the  battery  took 
on  a  name  by  which  it  was  known  as  far  as  intelligence 
could  reach. 

The  "Swamp  Angel"  gun  at  the  close  of  the  war,  or 
when  the  forts  011  Morris  Island  were  dismantled,  was  sent 
North  to  be  broken  up,  and  was  taken  to  the  Arsenal  at 
Trenton,  New  Jersey.  It  was  not  to  meet  so  ignoble  a  fate, 
however,  for  while  lying  at  the  Arsenal  it  was  recognized  by 
some  one  as  the  "Swamp  Angel,"  and  measures  were  at 
once  taken  to  insure  its  preservation.  It  was  repaired,  nicely 
mounted  and  inscribed  and  placed  in  the  public  square  of 
the  city  of  Trenton,  a  most  interesting  relic  of  the  "  War  of 
the  Eebellion." 

There  was  great  rejoicing  over  this  victory  among  the 
troops  already  forming  for  the  assault,  and,  poor  fellows, 
they  were  to  be  congratulated  upon  this  much  saved  from 
the  bloody  wreck  of  war,  for  the  loss  of  life  during  this 
abortive  siege  had  been  terrible. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  garrisoned  this  fort  and  also  battery 
Gregg  in  their  turn  for  a  long  time  after  their  evacuation, 
and  during  the  time  lost  several  valuable  men.  On  the 
night  of  September  23d  Captain  Joseph  Woodruff  of 
Company  K  was  struck  with  a  fragment  of  shell  that  had 
been  thrown  from  Sullivan's  Island.  The  piece  entered  his 


152  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

abdomen,  wounding  the  intestines,  but  he  continued  breath 
ing  for  several  hours;  The  Captain  was  one  of  our  bravest 
officers;  quiet  and  sedate  in  his  manner,  but  always  genial 
and  sociable  in  his  intercourse  with  both  officers  and  men. 
After  his  death  the  officers  of  the  regiment  were  convened 
and  the  following  resolutions  drafted  and  adopted  as  expres 
sive  of  our  sense  of  the  irreparable  loss  that  had  befallen  the 
regiment : 

RESOLUTIONS. 

WHEEEAS,  On  the  night  of  September  23d,  1863,  Captain  Joseph 
Woodruff,  of  Company  K,  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers,  while 
on  duty  as  officer  in  command  at  Fort  Gregg,  and  when  about  to  be 
relieved  from  said  duty,  was  wounded  by  a  shell  from  Fort  Moultrie  which 
carried  away  a  large  portion  of  his  right  side,  causing  his  death  in  less 
than  two  hours  after  the  receipt  of  the  injury;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  while  we  recognize  the  hand  of  God  in  all  things,  we 
can  but  mourn  the  loss  of  our  brother  officer,  and  one  of  our  country's 
noble  defenders;  and,  while  we  so  deeply  regret  the  violent  death  that 
snatched  from  us  one  whose  every  act  endeared  him  to  all — whose  loyalty, 
patriotism  and  bravery  proclaimed  him  a  true  man  and  soldier,  we  cannot 
but  feel  that  our  loss  is  his  gain,  and  that  he  has  left  a  world  of  suffering 
and  gone  to  join  that  band  of  noble  patriots  that  have  fallen  before  him 
in  their  country's  defense. 

Resolved,  That  we  tender  our  heartfelt  sympathies  to  the  family  and 
friends  in  this  their  sad  bereavement  of  a  kind  husband,  father,  and 
generous  companion,  and  trust  that  they  may  find  consolation  in  the  fact, 
that  he  fell  while  at  his  post  and  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty;  and  that  in 
dying,  he  evinced,  while  sensible,  that  spirit  of  resignation  which  bespeaks 
the  faith  of  a  Christian. 

Resolved,  That  as  a  token  of  our  respect  and  esteem,  the  officers  of 
this  regiment  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning  for  the  next  thirty  days, 
and  that  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  preamble  and  resolutions  be  sent  to  the 
family  of  the  deceased,  and  that  a  copy  of  them  be  sent  for  publication  to 
the  Chicago  Press  and  the  Ottawa  papers  and  the  two  papers  of  this 
Department. 

CHAS.  M.  CLAKK,  Surgeon  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois, 
CAPT.  L.  A.  BAKEB,  Co.  A,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois, 
Lx.  C.  J.  WILDEB,  Co.  H,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois, 

Committee. 

The  captured  forts  were  enlarged  and  new  batteries  were 
erected,  which  still  kept  our  men  busy  at  work  both  night 


GEN.  GILMORE' S   ORDER.  153 

and  day.  The  rebels  still  gave  us  at  intervals  a  galling  fire 
that  was  very  troublesome,  although  doing  no  very  great 
damage.  The  forts  of  the  enemy  were  constantly  bom 
barded  and  the  shelling  of  Charleston  was  continued.  The 
vessels  constituting  the  naval  force  at  times  consented  to 
join  in,  but  as  a  general  thing  they  were  most  gloriously 
inactive. 

It  was  considered  by  us  landsmen  that  after  the  taking 
of  forts  Wagner,  Gregg,  and  the  reduction  of  Fort  Sumter, 
our  fleet  would  push  forward  to  the  city  of  Charleston 
and  demand  its  surrender  or  level  it  to  the  ground,  but  we 
were  mistaken;  and  the  plea  for  their  hesitation  was,  that 
the  channel  was  full  of  chains  and  torpedoes.  But  what  if 
it  was!  Could  they  not  sacrifice  a  ship  or  two  and  a  few 
lives  in  common  with  us  in  the  endeavor  to  abbreviate  and 
crush  out  the  headquarters  of  this  audacious  rebellion  ?  We 
were  assured  time  and  again  that  a  portion  of  the  channel 
was  free  from  all  obstructions,  and  the  fact  was  reported  to 
Dahlgren,  but  he  would  put  no  faith  in  the  statement.  He 
made  the  assertion  that  he  believed  there  were  cables  sub 
merged  in  that  direction,  to  entrap  his  vessels,  and  declared 
that  he  would  not  make  the  attempt  under  any  circum 
stances. 

A  serious  difficulty,  in  consequence,  sprang  up  between 
General  Gilmore  and  Dahlgren,  and  the  troops  on  the  island 
were  gradually  withdrawn,  whereby  General  Gilmore  divested 
himself  and  his  gallant  troops  of  the  responsibility  of  the 
future  of  the  seige. 

September  16th  the  following  General  Order  was  re 
ceived  from  General  Gilmore  congratulating  his  troops  and 
announcing  the  destruction  of  Fort  Sumter: 

DEPABTMENT  OF  THE  SOUTH,  HEADQUARTEES  IN  THE  FIELD, 
MOBBIS  ISLAND,  S.  C.,  September  15th,  1863. 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

It  is  with  no  ordinary  feeling  of  gratification  and  pride  that  the 
Brigadier-General  commanding  is  enabled  to  congratulate  this  army  upon 


154  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  signal  success  which  has  crowned  the  enterprise  in  which  it  has  been 
engaged.  Fort  Sumter  is  destroyed.  The  scene  where  our  country's  flag 
suffered  its  first  dishonor  you  have  made  the  theatre  of  one  of  its  proudest 
triumphs. 

The  fort  has  been  in  possession  of  the  enemy  for  more  than  two  years; 
it  has  been  his  pride  and  boast;  has  been  strengthened  by  every  appliance 
known  to  military  science  and  has  defied  the  assaults  of  the  most  powerful 
and  gallant  fleet  the  world  ever  saw.  But  it  has  yielded  to  your  courage 
and  patient  labor.  Its  walls  are  now  crumbled  to  ruins;  its  formidable 
batteries  are  silenced;  and  though  a  hostile  flag  floats  over  it,  the  fort  is  a 
harmless  and  helpless  wreck. 

Forts  Wagner  and  Gregg, — works  rendered  memorable  by  their  pro 
tracted,  resistance  and  the  sacrifice  of  life  they  have  cost,— have  also  been 
wrested  from  the  enemy  by  your  persevering  courage  and  skill,  and  the 
graves  of  your  fallen  comrades  rescued  from  desecration  and  contumely. 

You  now  hold  in  undisputed  possession  the  whole  of  Morris  Island; 
and  the  city  and  harbor  of  Charleston  lie  at  the  mercy  of  your  artillery 
from  the  very  spot  where  the  first  shot  was  fired  at  your  country's  flag  and 
the  rebellion  itself  was  inaugurated. 

To  you,  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  this  command,  and  to  the  gallant 
navy  which  has  co-operated  with  you,  are  due  the  thanks  of  your  com 
mander  and  your  country.  You  were  called  upon  to  encounter  untold 
privations  and  dangers;  to  undergo  unremitting  and  exhausting  labors; 
to  sustain  severe  and  disheartening  reverses.  How  nobly  your  patriotism 
and  zeal  have  responded  to  the  call  the  results  of  the  campaign  will  show, 
and  your  commanding  General  gratefully  bears  witness. 

Q.  A.  GILMOEE,  Brig.  Gen'l  Commanding. 


CHAPTEE  XL 


Ordered  Back  to  Folly  Island— Sent  to  Hilton  Head — Vaccination — Re-enlist 
as  Veterans — Had  to  Pass  an  Examination — The  Thirty-Ninth  Popu 
lar  and  Given  an  Escort  and  an  Ovation — Letter  to  Governor  Yates 
from  Generals  Seymour  and  Gilmore — Embark  for  New  York — 
Grounded  on  Frying  Pan  Shoals — Final  Release — The  Captain's 
Fault — The  Vessel  on  Fire — Big  Storm  off  Hatteras — Horse  Loose — 
Another  Calamity — Men  Injured — Reach  New  York — Park  Barracks 
— Take  the  Cars  for  Chicago  —  Arrival — Respects  to  the  Tribune — 
Supper  at  Bryan  Hall—Lady  Managers  of  the  Soldiers'  Rest — Camp 
Fry — Furloughs — Dr.  Woodward  as  Hamlet  at  McVicker's  Theatre. 


HHHE  Thirty-Ninth  were  soon  ordered  back  to  Folly  Island 
and  went  into  camp  where  company  drill  and  battalion 
exercise  occupied  the  most  part  of  the  time.  We  remained 
here  very  pleasantly  under  the  shade  of  the  magnolia  and 
palmetto,  with  *  considerable  diversion  by  way  of  fishing  and 
hunting  and  paying  visits  to  our  friends.  While  here, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  O.  L.  Mann  was  ordered  on  recruiting 
service  and  departed  for  Chicago  the  10th  day  November, 
together  with  several  subordinate  officers.  That  they  made 
good  use  of  their  time  was  manifest  when  some  two  hundred 
and  fifty  recruits  joined  our  ranks  on  our  return  to  the  front 
after  our  veteran  furlough  in  February,  1864.  We  still  re 
tained  our  regimental  hospital  organization  and  all  sick  who 
could  not  be  comfortably  cared  for  were  sent  to  St.  Augus 
tine,  Florida. 

About  the  first  of  December  we  were  ordered  to  report 
at  Hilton  Head  and  went  into  camp  there.  The  same  drills 
and  exercises  were  continued,  with  a  little  more  attention  to 
discipline  and  the  police  of  camp.  Otherwise  our  life  was 
as  automatic  as  could  be.  While  here,  an  order  came  to  re- 

155 


156  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

vaccinate  the  whole  command,  and  the  detail  of  surgeons  to 
accomplish  the  matter  was  made.  We  were  receiving  large 
numbers  of  negro  troops,  and  they  had  brought  with  them 
the  small-pox.  Every  man  in  each  regiment  of  our  brigade 
was  vaccinated,  and  some  curious  scenes  occurred;  but  this 
is  no  place  to  give  the  results  of  this  forced  vaccination. 

During  the  time  that  Ave  remained  on  the  island  the 
regiment  was  induced  to  re-enlist  for  three  years  or  the  con 
tinuance  of  the  Avar,  with  the  exception  of  about  one  hundred 
who  preferred  to  remain  in  this  department  until  the  term 
of  their  service  expired  and  then  proceed  home  for  good.  A 
large  number  of  those  who  were  willing  to  re-enlist  could 
not  be  accepted  by  reason  of  physical  disability.  Each  man 
had  to  undergo  a  rigid  and  thorough  examination  at  the 
hands  of  the  regimental  surgeon.  During  the  few  days  that 
the  examination  was  in  progress  the  sick  call  was  but  slimly 
attended,  and  it  was  exceeding  wonderful  to  notice  how 
rugged  and  healthful  men  would  appear  and  represent  them 
selves,  who  had  formerly  been  the  best  patrons  of  the  dis 
pensary,  and  all  through  their  eagerness  to*  re-enlist  and 
get  the  opportunity  of  proceeding  home.  Each  regiment  that 
enlisted  as  a  body  was  granted  a  furlough,  and  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  was  the  first  in  the  department  to  accept  these  veteran 
honors. 

All  was  in  readiness  on  the  morning  of  January  28th, 
1864,  to  move  down  to  the  wharf  for  the  purpose  of  embark 
ing  for  home,  but  it  was  fully  afternoon  before  the  march 
was  commenced,  and  this  delay  was  occasioned  from  the  fact 
that  three  brigades  of  the  division  were  preparing  to  escort 
us,  a  compliment  which  gratified  every  man  of  the  regiment. 
Our  progress  to  the  wharf  was  a  perfect  ovation,  all  the 
troops  in  the  department  turning  out  to  greet  us  with  a  "bon 
voyage."  The  regiment  numbered  at  this  time  four  hundred 
and  fifty  men — the  minimum  number  of  a  regiment  that  could 
retain  its  organization  and  receive  "leave  of  absence"  from 


LEAVE  FOR  HOME   ON  FURLOUGH.  157 

the    Department   for   the    purpose  of   proceeding  home  to 
recruit. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  was  deservedly  popular  and  a  favorite 
in  the  Department  of  the  South,  as  evinced  on  all  sides  at  this 
time,  and  the  following  letters  given  to  Colonel  Osborn  by 
Generals  Gilmore  and  Seymour  for  Governor  Yates  plainly 
showed  the  esteem  of  our  commanders. 

HEADQUABTEBS,  HILTON  HEAD  (PULASKI), 

January  25,  1864. 
To  His  Excellency,  the  Governor  of  Illinois: 

Sir:— The  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers,  Colonel  T.  O. 
Osborn,  having  re-enlisted  as  a  "  veteran  regiment,"  has  been  furloughed 
and  will  soon  proceed  homeward.  I  cannot  permit  it  to  leave  my  com 
mand  without  expressing,  so  far  as  I  am  able,  my  entire  satisfaction  with 
its  conduct  under  all  circumstances. 

It  will  display  to  you,  possibly,  a  state  of  discipline  and  excellence 
of  instruction  that  will  not  be  diminished  by  contrast  with  the  very  best  of 
our  volunteer  regiments,  and  you  may  justly  be  proud  of  its  past  and  pres 
ent  efficiency,  for  which  Colonel  Osborn,  a  most  excellent  officer,  deserves 
great  praise. 

Your  Excellency  will,  I  am  sure,  afford  Colonel  Osborn  every  reason 
able  facility  for  filling  his  command,  and  you  can  entrust  the  interests  of 
your  citizen-soldiers  to  no  better  hands.  And  I  am 

Your  Excellency's  Obedient  Servant, 

T.  SEYMOUB,  Brig.  Gen1 1  Commanding. 

On  the  back  of  this  letter  was  the  following  endorse 
ment  by  General  Gilmore : 

HEADQUABTEBS,  DEPABTMENT  OF  THE  SOUTH, 

HILTON  HEAD,  January  25, 1864. 

I  heartily  endorse  everything  Brigadier-General  Seymour  says  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers,  and  their  commanders,  and 
hope  the  Governor  of  Illinois  will  use  his  influence  to  have  the  regiment 
returned  to  my  command  when  recruited,  unless  Colonel  Osborn  prefers 
some  other.  Q.  A.  GILMOBE,  Maj.  Gen' I  Commanding. 

Two  large  propellers,  the  "Mary  Boardman  "  and  "City 
of  Bath,"  had  been  assigned  to  carry  us  to  New  York,  and 
the  regiment  was  divided  for  the  passage.  The  right  wing 
of  the  regiment  and  the  regimental  staff  took  passage  on  the 


158  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"City  of  Bath,"  while  the  other  wing  took  the  "Mary 
Boardman." 

We  left  the  harbor  at  about  ten  o'clock  P.M.  The  sea 
was  tranquil  and  the  weather  most  enjoyable  during  the 
night,  and  the  morning  was  ushered  in  with  a  glorious  "sun 
burst  "  and  a  clear  sky,  with  the  ocean  as  smooth  as  glass. 
About  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  we  n eared  "Frying  Pan 
shoals,"  and  those  on  deck  had  their  attention  called  to  what 
was  considered  a  school  of  porpoises  disporting,  but  we  were 
not  quite  certain  in  the  matter,  and  went  forward  to  the 
pilot-house  to  make  inquiry.  The  man  at  the  wheel  did  not 
know  exactly  what  it  was,  at  least  he  said  so,  but  as  we 
approached  nearer  and  nearer  we  became  convinced  that  it 
was  shoal  water;  and  our  conjectures  and  fears  were  more 
than  realized  in  a  moment  more  when  the  ship  struck  the 
bar  with  a  dull  heavy  thud  which  brought  us  to  our  knees. 
After  striking,  the  ship  careened  over  at  an  angle  of  forty- 
five  degrees,  and  we  all  rushed  to  the  opposite  side  in  the 
endeavor  to  balance  her.  The  sea  was  calm  and  smooth 
when  we  struck,  but  there  was  evidence  of  an  approaching 
storm  in  the  light  puffs  of  wind  that  occasionally  reached  us, 
and  the  increasing  ripple  on  the  wide  undulating  billows 
around. 

There  was  no  panic  among  the  men,  and  the  only 
concern  manifested  was  on  the  part  of  the  captain,  who  got 
a  little  excited  as  hour  after  hour  wore  away  without  much 
progress  made  in  getting  off.  The  Colonel  and  Dr.  Clark 
descended  the  hatchways  into  the  lower  hold  to  see  if  there 
was  any  sign  of  leak  or  damage  to  the  ship's  bottom,  but 
could  not  find  anything  to  alarm  them. 

But  here  we  were,  aground  on  a  sand-bar — no  land  in 
sight,  the  nearest  being  twenty  miles  distant,  and  no  pro 
gress  made  in  our  constant  efforts  to  back  off.  Under  the 
orders  of  the  captain  we 'rushed  from  side  to  side  of  the  ship 
and  full  steam  was  put  upon  the  reversed  propeller.  The 


VESSEL   ON  FIRE.  159 

wind  continued  to  freshen  and  the  waves  became  quite 
respectable  in  size,  and  we  began  to  feel  a  little  uneasy  at 
the  prospect,  when  all  at  once,  at  the  expiration  of  the  third 
hour,  the  cry  came,  "She  moves!  she  moves!!"  and  sure 
enough  we  were  soon  free  again  and  moving  in  a  direction 
that  gave  the  shoal  a  wide  berth.  Such  a  glad  shout  of 
thanksgiving  as  went  up  from  the  hearts  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  war-worn  soldiers  never  was  listened  to  before  or 
since.  We  had  struck  the  bar  with  great  force  while  under 
the  momentum  of  a  full  head  of  steam,  and  had  grounded 
along  for  the  distance  of  two  ship's  lengths,  and  our  good 
fortune  in  getting  off  was  mainly  due  to  the  rising  tide  and 
the  coming  storm.  It  was  a  piece  of  gross  carelessness  that 
we  were  brought  into  the  difficulty,  but  the  captain  explained 
that  he  wished  to  make  a  quick  trip  and  had  taken  an  unfre 
quented  channel  with  the  hope  of  getting  through,  and  that 
the  pilot  at  the  wheel  had  missed  it. 

The  captain  of  our  vessel  was  an  Englishman  and  had 
in  conversation  expressed  his  sympathy  for  the  South,  and 
when  we  struck  the  bar  we  did  not  know  but  what  it  was  a 
preconcerted  plan  to  wreck  us.  We  held  a  short  consulta 
tion  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that,  if  he  did  not  make 
the  proper  endeavor  to  extricate  the  vessel  or  show  a  pretty 
liberal  interest  in  our  safety,  we  would,  before  compelled  to 
leave  the  vessel,  hang  him  and  his  officers  to  the  yard-arm. 
The  poor  man,  however,  was  more  frightened  at  his  situation 
than  we  were,  and  we  accepted  his  explanation  readily,  but 
not  without  informing  him  of  our  suspicions.  He  was  a 
jolly  and  good-natured  tar,  and  after  this  did  everything 
he  could  to  afford  us  pleasure  and  comfort. 

Our  trip  was  destined  to  be  an  eventful  one,  for  in  a 
short  time  after  the  late  disaster  we  discovered  the  ship  on 
fire  around  the  smokestack  on  the  second  deck,  but  a  few 
pails  of  water  sufficed  to  extinguish  it. 

The  storm  came  on  apace,    and  as  we    rounded    Cape 


1(30  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Hatteras  it  seemed  to  reach  its  greatest  fury  and  it  became 
impossible  to  keep  a  footing.  The  vessel  rolled  fearfully, 
and  at  times  we  had  some  fears  of  completely  rolling  over, 
especially  when  our  course  led  us  into  the  trough  of  the  sea. 
To  add  to  the  horrors  of  our  situation,  word  was  brought 
by  a  seaman  that  Dr.  Clark's  horse  had  broken  loose  from 
his  stall  and  was  in  the  hold  among  the  men.  The  Doctor 
crept  up  to  the  deck,  and  then  crawling  dog-fashion  on  all- 
fours  succeeded  in  reaching  the  forward  hatch  and  descended 
to  the  hold,  and,  sure  enough,  there  was  the  poor  horse, 
reeking  with  perspiration  and  frightened  out  of  his  senses. 
At  each  roll  of  the  ship  he  would  go  sliding  along  the  deck, 
each  muscle  braced  to  the  utmost  tension;  and  bang!  he 
would  strike  against  the  side ;  and  this  was  repeated  many 
times  before  we  were  able  to  throw  and  secure  him  on  a  bed 
of  hay  prepared  for  the  purpose.  When  his  stall  first  gave 
way  he  came  very  near  falling  through  the  lower  hatchway, 
and  was  only  saved  by  the  efforts  of  the  men. 

Still  later  in  the  day,  another  and  more  grievous  calamity 
befel  some  of  the  men  of  Company  I,  who  were  located  in 
the  vicinity  of  some  huge  water-casks  which  broke  away 
from  their  lashings  and  came  like  an  avalanche  upon 
them.  Six  men  were  seriously  injured — broken  ribs,  arms 
and  collar  bones,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that 
we  got  them  aft  into  the  cabin  where  their  injuries  could  be 
attended  to.  It  being  impossible  to  transport  them  up  and 
over  the  deck,  we  with  the  consent  of  the  captain  knocked 
down  a  partition  separating  the  cabin  from  the  hold,  and 
soon  had  them  in  berths  where  they  were  made  as  comfort 
able  as  possible  until  our  arrival  at  New  York,  when  four  of 
them  were  taken  to  the  hospital  on  David's  Island. 

A  dense  darkness  overtook  us  before  reaching  Sandy 
Hook  and  no  pilot-boats  were  visible,  and  after  vain  efforts 
to  signal  one  by  the  use  of  rockets  for  fully  the  space  of  an 
hour,  our  captain  determined  to  try  and  make  the  outer 


REACH  NEW   YORK. 

harbor,  for  it  seemed  madness  to  anchor  and  try  to  ride  out 
the  storm  until  daylight  on  such  a  dangerous  coast;  and  the 
captain  succeeded,  much  to  our  delight,  and  we  were  soon  at 
anchor  in  quiet  waters. 

In  the  early  morning  we  steamed  up  to  the  city  and 
made  fast  to  the  pier  at  the  foot  of  Cortland  street,  where 
we  speedily  disembarked  and  marched  to  the  Park  barracks, 
where  we  found  the  other  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
which  had  reached  the  harbor  some  twelve  hours  previously 
Their  vessel  had  not  encountered  all  the  trials  that  we  had 
been  subjected  to,  yet  their  progress  had  been  marked  with 
some  disagreeable  incidents,  for  their  ship  had  twice  caught 
fire,  which  had  given  some  alarm,  but  fortunately  it  was 
discovered  soon  enough  to  be  easily  extinguished. 

The  regiment  remained  in  Park  barracks  on  Chatham 
square  until  the  following  morning,  February  3d,  1864, 
when  it  took  up  the  line  of  march  for  the  New  York  and 
Erie  railroad  depot.  The  regiment  presented  a  fine  appear 
ance  after  the  rest  afforded,  and  the  brushing  and  cleansing 
they  had  received;  and  their  passage  to  the  ferry  was 
witnessed  by  thousands  eager  to  see  an  Illinois  regiment, 
and  their  plaudits  were  incessant  as  the  veterans  passed  with 
even,  measured  step — proudly  erect  and  conscious  of  the 
honor  paid  them. 

The  passage  over  the  North  river  was  soon  made,  and 
we  were  speedily  aboard  an  elegant  train  of  cars  awaiting  us 
in  the  depot,  and  after  a  few  moments  delay  to  await  strag 
glers  were  rolling  out  of  Jersey  City  for  home.  We  passed 
on  swiftly  and  safely,  enjoying  the  rare  and  beautiful  scenery 
along  this  line  of  railway,  with  nothing  to  mar  the  pleasure 
of  the  trip  except  the  attendant  fatigue  that  must  necessarily 
accompany  so  long  a  journey  by  rail. 

Some  little  delay  was  always  consequent  at  our  stopping 
places,  for  the  men  would  ramble  and  stray  about,  glad  of  a 
little  opportunity  to  stretch  their  limbs  and  seek  refresh- 


n 


162  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

ment  both  solid  and  liquid,  and  when  all  were  "on  board" 
again  there  were  merry  times  in  which  "King  Gambrinus" 
took  no  small  share. 

As  we  neared  our  destination  a  telegram  came  for  us  to 
"hurry  up!"  as  the  ladies  of  the  Soldiers'  Kest  and  the 
citizens  of  Chicago  generally  were  waiting  to  give  us  a 
reception,  and  we  did  hurry — the  train  fairly  flying  over  the 
rails ;  but  it  was  midnight  before  we  reached  Chicago,  and 
it  was  supposed  that  we  would  have  to  go  supperless  to  bed. 
All  haste  was  made  in  the  disembarkation  and  the  line  was 
soon  formed.  Marching  up  to  Clark  street,  the  regiment 
pursued  its  course  to  the  Tribune  building  where  three 
cheers  were  given  for  the  loyal  press,  and  then  counter 
marched  to  Bryan  Hall,  where  a  good  supper  awaited  us  at 
the  hands  of  the  lovely,  loyal  and  patriotic  ladies  of  Chicago. 
After  a  feast  of  good  things  seasoned  with  the  loving  smiles 
of  our  pretty  waiters,  some  speech-making  was  indulged  in 
by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  and  Colonel  Osborn,  and  the 
festivities  closed  with  a  song  or  two  by  the  regimental  glee 
club.  The  men  then  marched  to  North  Market  Hall  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night.  The  following  morning,  February 
7th,  the  regiment  again  repaired  to  Bryan  Hall  for  breakfast, 
and  were  more  than  satisfied  with  what  they  received  at  the 
hands  of  the  ladies. 

It  would  appear  like  base  ingratitude,  and  it  certainly 
would  be  doing  great  injustice  to  the  lady  managers  of  the 
Chicago  Soldiers'  Best,  did  we  not  give  them  more  than  a 
passing  mention  in  this  volume,  and  we  are  sure  that  the 
surviving  members  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  (to  say  nothing  of 
the  shades  of  our  many  dead  heroes)  would  never  be  satis 
fied  unless  we  meted  out  to  them  some  measure  expressive 
of  their  common  gratitude.  The  patriotic  devotion  of  these 
ladies — their  incessant  labor  both  day  and  night  in  endeavors 
to  give  a  cheering  and  home-like  reception  to  the  many 
weary  soldiers  who  were  constantly  going  and  coming — 


CAMP   FRY. 


their  care,  patience  and  watchful  kindness  for  the  sick  and 
disabled  that  were  sheltered  and  fed  and  clothed,  enshrined 
them  in  the  hearts  of  the  soldiers. 

"  They  were  women,  to  their  glorious  nature  true, 
And  did  all  that  angels  would  be  asked  to  do." 

There  are  not  a  great  many  of  that  devoted  band  left  now  — 
they  have  gone  up  higher.  The  writer  cherishes  a  grateful 
memory  of  them  all  —  Mrs.  Livermore,  Mrs.  Hoge,  Mrs. 
James  B.  Bradwell,  Mrs.  Dr.  Hamill,  Mrs.  Dickinson,  Mrs. 
Sayres,  Mrs.  Blane  and  a  score  of  others  whose  names  are 
not  so  easily  recalled.  There  was  one,  Miss  Julia  K.  Hamill, 
who  after  the  war  became  his  wife,  and  who  proved  a  most 
devoted  and  loving  companion  until  death  claimed  her  in 
1871.  Her  many  virtues  and  lovely  character  have  been  a 
cherished  memory  these  many  long  and  wearisome  years. 

After  our  breakfast  the  boys  were  given  furloughs  to 
proceed  to  their  homes  and  to  report  back  at  Camp  Fry, 
Chicago,  within  ten  days  or  else  be  considered  deserters. 

Active  measures  were  taken  to  recruit,  and  within  the 
period  of  thirty  days  we  had  received  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  making  our  aggregate  strength  nearly  seven 
hundred  and  eighty. 

The  long  days  and  nights  at  Camp  Fry  (now  Wright's 
Grove)  will  long  be  remembered  as  making  a  sum-total  of 
misery  that  was  illy  borne;  for  a  large  city  was  near  that 
afforded  pleasure  and  enjoyment,  and  to  be  guarded  in  a 
circumscribed  camp  was  unendurable.  Passes  were  freely 
given,  however,  to  visit  the  city  and  return  within  twenty- 
four  hours,  but  each  man  was  prone  to  think  he  was  entitled 
to  more  freedom,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  Colonel's 
sympathies  and  good  nature  often  remained  away  for  forty- 
eight. 

Nothing  of  especial  interest  occurred  during  our  stay 
in  Chicago  excepting,  perhaps,  the  appearance  on  the  boards 
of  McVicker's  Theatre  of  our  second  assistant  surgeon,  Dr. 


164  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Woodward,  who  volunteered  his  services  at  the  benefit 
of  Mr.  Warren,  the  treasurer,  in  the  third  act  of  "Hamlet." 
The  doctor  was,  or  wished  to  be  considered  a  second  Forrest, 
Booth,  or  Murdoch  in  the  rendition  of  Hamlet,  and  often 
had  amused  us  at  the  bivouac  or  when  in  winter  quarters  by 
spouting  the  various  soliloquies  that  Shakespeare  so  ingen 
iously  and  artistically  fashioned  for  the  character,  and  our 
appreciation  of  his  power  had  culminated  in  the  vanity  of 
appearing  before  the  public  in  this  character.  We  finally 
secured  for  the  doctor  an  engagement  for  this  particular 
time,  and  telegraphed  for  him  to  be  ready  on  the  evening 
of  March  llth.  The  doctor  arrived  from  Belvidere  (his 
home)  the  preceding  day  for  rehearsal.  On  the  morning 
of  the  eventful  day  we  saw  placarded  on  the  bulletin  in 
prominent  places  of  the  city  in  large  type: 

BENEFIT 

QF  THE  TREASURES  OF  THE  THEATRE 

HENRY    WARREN  ! 
WHO  HAS  THE  PLEASURE  OF  ANNOUNCING  TO  HIS  FRIENDS,  THAT  THE  DISTINGUISHED 

MILITARY  AMATEUR 
DOCTOE   WM.    WOODWARD, 

ASSISTANT   SURGEON, 
THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS    INFANTRY, 

HAS   KINDLY   VOLUNTEEREP    TO   APPEAR   AS 

-  HAMLET  - 

IN  THE  THIRD  ACT  OF  SHAKESPEARE'S  TRAGEDY  OF  THAT  NAME,  ETC.,  ETC. 

The  doctor  felt  his  oats  just  a  trifle,  and  made  prepara 
tions  for  the  evening  performance.  The  regiment  was  per 
mitted  to  come  to  the  city  in  a  body  and  witness  tfae  triumph 
of  this  "protege"  under  the  especial  care  and  guidance  of 
the  spirit  of  the  immortal  master,  and  were  prepared  to  sus 
tain  him,  if  their  presence  was  capable  of  inspiration. 

Seven  o'clock  came  and  the  house  was  rapidly  filling 
with  the  beauty  and  gallantry  of  the  city.  The  regimental 
band  was  discoursing  lively  airs  and  everything  was  full  of 


DOCTOR    WOODWARD   AS   "HAMLET." 

promise.  Adjutant  F.  B.  Marshall  and  Dr.  Clark  had  taken 
a  box  on  the  left  of  the  stage  and  were  soon  joined  by  Colonel 
Osborn  and  Governor  Yates,  with  ladies.  In  a  few  moments 
we  went  out  on  the  stage  making  inquiry  for  Woodward, 
and  were  directed  to  his  dressing  room  below.  We  found 
him  already  dressed  for  the  character,  but  he  said  that  he 
felt  a  little  nervous  and  uneasy,  and  "by  the  twitchings  of 
his  lips"  we  knew  that  a  little  stimulation  was  the  remedy, 
so  we  marched  him  across  the  alley  where  a  superior 
quality  of  "wet  goods"  was  said  to  be  "furnished,"  and 
gave  him  a  stout  fitting  out  with  A.  1  "Irish  courage"  in 
the  shape  of  "B"  whisky,  and  shortly  he  announced  that 
"Hamlet"  was  himself  once  more.  Eeturning  to  the  theatre 
we  found  that  tha  curtain  had  been  "  rung  up"  and  the  farce 
of  "  A  Eegular  Fix  "  was  in  progress.  This  was  soon  ended, 
and  then  came  our  amateur  in  the  shape  of  a  bald-headed, 
spindle-shanked  Hamlet  with  his  conventional  habit  of  som 
bre  hue  and  with  "To  be,  or  not  to  be,  that  is  the  question" 
upon  his  lips.  We  watched  him  and  the  audience  most 
critically,  for  we  were  intensely  interested  not  only  for  him 
but  for  ourselves,  for  we  felt  that  we  must  share  in  whatever 
reward  was  given.  He,  happily,  accomplished  the  role  very 
satisfactorily  and  received  the  plaudits  of  the  audience. 
The  morning  papers  of  the  following  day  took  some  notice 
of  the  Doctor's  performance,  and  all  spoke  of  it  in  a  good- 
natured  way  except  the  Times,  which  in  the  course  of  its 
comment  remarked:  "If  the  Doctor  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois  murders  the  men  of  his  regiment  in  the  same 
manner  he  did  Hamlet  last  night,  he  had  better  leave  the 
service."  Woodward  felt  quite  indignant  over  this  "slur" 
and  always  -  -  Wilbur  F.  Storey  and  his  dramatic  critic 
when  the  'subject  was  mentioned. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Assemble  at  Bryan  Hall — Speeches  of  Governor  Yates  and  Others — Orders 
to  Go  to  the  Front — Poem — Leave  Chicago — Trouble  at  Pittsburgh 
— How  it  all  Ended — Arrive  at  Washington — Cross  the  Potomac — 
Arlington  Heights — Camp  Grant — First  Connecticut  Heavy  Artillery 
— Major  Cook — Colonel  OsbornSick — Fort  Barnard — Start  a  Masonic 
Lodge — Move  to  Gloucester  Point — Vast  Array  and  Great  Prepara 
tions — Embark — Halt  at  Fortress  Monroe  for  Orders — Proceed  Up 
the  James  River — Debark  at  Bermuda  Hundred. 


T3EFORE  our  return  to  the  army  the  regiment  assembled 
at  Bryan  Hall  to  listen  to  words  of  encouragement, 
congratulation  and  counsel  from  Governor  Yates.  The  night 
was  stormy  and  the  mud  and  slush  in  the  streets  made  our 
march  to  the  hall  anything  but  comfortable.  Notwithstand 
ing  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  the  hall  was  filled  with 
men  and  women  and  hundreds  were  unable  to  get  in  even 
for  a  standing  position. 

Upon  the  appearance  of  His  Excellency  Governor  Yates 
the  applause  was  loud,  prolonged  and  deeply  earnest.  He 
commenced  his  address  by  alluding  to  the  activity  that  had 
been  evinced  from  the  time  of  the  rebel  eruption  until  the 
present  hour,  by  the  people  of  that  glorious  commonwealth, 
Illinois.  From  the  moment  the  booming  of  the  incendiary 
gun,  directed  at  the  heart  of  the  nation,  rolled  over  the  land, 
the  cities,  towns,  villages,  hamlets  and  prairies  of  the  great 
Northwest  gave,  without  stint  or  limit,  men;  and  he  was 
proud  to  say  that  his  State  was  foremost  in  the  response  for 
hands  and  hearts  to  uphold  the  constitution,  the  country,  and 
the  laws. 

He  spoke  of  those  who,  in  the  spring  of  1861,   came 

166 


GOV.  YATES'   ADDRESS  AT  BRYAN  HALL.  167 

ready  and  willing  into  the  ranks,  and  leaving  behind  them 
homes,  comforts,  loved  ones  and  dear  kindred,  to  meet  a 
deadly  and  vindictive  foe.  He  alluded  to  the  flags  that  the 
people  of  Chicago  had  entrusted  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Regi 
ment,  and  then  pointed  to  them  as  they  were  being  unfurled 
by  the  men  wh.o  had  borne  them  in  the  hour  of  strife  and 
deadly  conflict.  "You  see  them  there,"  said  he,  "tattered 
and  torn,  riddled  by  shot  and  shell,  and  stained  by  the  blood 
of  brave  men,  but  you  will  find  no  blot  upon  their  escutcheon." 
The  applause  that  followed  this  remark  lasted  for  a  long 
time,  the  ladies  joining  heartily  in  the  evidences  of  patriotic 
and  loyal  approval. 

The  Governor  then  remarked  that  it  was  a  source  of  joy 
to  our  men  in  the  field  to  know  how  earnestly  the  people  of 
their  State  labored  for  the  cause  in  which  they  were  actively 
engaged.  The  women  had  been  unremitting  in  their  efforts 
to  send  them  aid,  and  to  support  and  assist  the  helpless  and 
dependent  wives  and  mothers,  sisters  and  children  whom 
they  had  left  behind  them.  The  merchants,  manufacturers, 
the  bar,  bench,  pulpit  and  the  press  of  Chicago,  with  but 
one  exception  (and  God  have  mercy  on  that  exception!) 
have  spoken  in  unmistakable  tones,  and  let  the  world  know 
the  fact,  that  the  capital,  enterprise,  industry,  piety  and  brains 
of  all  the  loyal  people  were  devoted  to  the  perpetuation  of 
the  great  Republic. 

The  regiment  had  brought  with  them  two  six-hundred- 
pounder  solid  shot  from  Morris  Island — one  a  round  shot 
and  the  other  conical,  such  as  were  thrown  into  Fort 
Wagner  on  the  day  of  the  bombardment  by  the  monitors. 
Previous  to  the  meeting  they  had  been  placed  in  position  on 
the  platform  in  front  of  the  speaker,  and  Governor  Yates 
when  he  referred  to  the  Peace  Commissioners  that  our 
government  had  been  requested  to  send  to  confer  with 
several  sent  by  Jeff  Davis  and  who  were  then  resting  under 
a  "flag  of  truce"  on  their  rebel  craft  off  Fort  Monroe,  said, 


108  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"Yes,  I  am  in  favor  of  sending  peace  commissioners  to  meet 
the  gentlemen  from  Richmond."  This  remark  met  with  a 
very  cool  reception,  for  the  movement  was  not  favored  by 
the  North.  "  But,"  he  continued,  "  I  would  desire  to  name 
these  commissioners,  and  do  you  ask  whom  I  Avould  name  ? 
I  would  name  this  (placing  his  foot  on  one  of  the  shot)  for 
one  of  them  and  I  would  name  that  (pointing  to  the  conical 
shot)  as  the  other."  This  was  a  masterful  stroke,  and  old 
Bryan  Hall  never  witnessed  a  wilder  scene  of  fervid  patriot 
ism  than  the  one  that  followed. 

The  Governor  continued  in  a  most  eloquent  strain — 
lashing  the  copperheads  right  and  left,  speaking  of  the 
efforts  for  the  disruption  of  the  Union,  and  finally  ended  a 
two  hours'  speech  by  showing  the  propriety  of  all  loyal  per 
sons  sustaining  the  right,  and  thus  render  the  government 
adequate  to  any  emergency.  He  wanted  to  see  the  rebellion 
crushed  and  forever ;  to  be  driven  into  the  lowest  depths  of 
perdition,  never  again  to  rise  to  our  own  annoyance  or  to 
imperil  the  liberties  of  our  posterity. 

The  regiment  seemed  to  consider  carefully  every  word 
that  was  uttered,  and  not  one  instance  of  disorder  occurred, 
nor  was  there  noticed  among  this  large  gathering  a  disor 
derly  person. 

After  the  discourse  of  the  Governor  short  speeches 
were  made  by  Colonel  Osborn,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  and 
others,  and  then  we  departed  for  our  quarters  at  Camp  Fry. 

In  a  day  or  two  afterwards  (February  28th)  we  received 
orders  to  return  to  the  army  and  were  instructed  to  report  at 
Washington.  It  was  again  a  sorrowful  time,  to  break  loose 
from  the  home  ties  that  bound  us,  but  the  remorseless  clutch 
of  war  had  its  grip  upon  every  one  of  us,  and  it  was  forward, 
march!  We  could  not  help  but  reflect  upon  and  repeat  the 
sentiments  of  the  poet  "I.  B."  who  says: 

When  fortune  has  severed  the  home  ties  that  bind  us, 
Though  peaceful  vocations  have  called  us  away, 


RETURN   TO    THE   ARMY.  169 

How  anxious  we  feel  for  the  loved  ones  behind  us, 

And  deprecate  every  unlooked-for  delay. 
Nor  less  do  the  loved  ones  partake  of  the  sorrow, 

Who  bide  by  the  hearthstone,  though  silent,  yet  sad; 
Not  sustained  by  excitement,  or  hope  for  the  morrow, 

Even  fancy  refuses  to  make  the  heart  glad. 

But  when  ruthless  war  has,  with  power  unrelenting, 

Torn  warm  loving  hearts  from  each  other's  embrace, 
And  made  to  face  death  with  no  time  for  repenting, 

How  fearful  the  picture  no  pencil  can  trace! 
If  love  to  our  country  and  God,  without  measure, 

Shall  rule  and  prevail  in  each  patriot's  breast, 
We  can  welcome  such  trials — yes,  hail  them  with  pleasure, 

And  anchor  our  hopes  in  the  land  of  the  blest. 

It  is  well  at  all  times  to  prepare  for  the  parting, 

Which  falls  to  the  lot  of  us  mortals  below. 
Earth  is  transient  at  best,  and  the  briny  tear  starting, 

Should  point  to  the  land  where  the  tear  does  not  flow. 
Yes,  there  is  a  land  that  is  free  from  all  sorrow, 

Where  friend  can  greet  friend  without  fearing  to  part; 
Earth  is  hollow: — our  footsteps  may  crumble  to-morrow; 

Then  "  build  on  the  Rock  "  and  have  peace  to  thy  heart. 

We  left  Camp  Fry  at  seven  o'clock  on  our  march  to  the 
depot  of  the  Pittsburgh  and  Fort  Wayne  railroad,  and  011  the 
march  were  the  observed  of  all  observers,  more  especially 
after  we  had  reached  the  South  Side,  where  the  most  of  our 
friends  were  congregated.  The  regiment  never  looked  better 
or  marched  with  more  precision  of  step  and  soldierly  bearing 
than  on  this  trip  to  the  depot. 

The  train  provided  for  us  was  comfortable  and  we  had  a 
pleasurable  journey  to  Pittsburgh,  where  a  change  of  cars 
was  necessitated.  The  only  train  that  we  could  get  at  the 
time  was  made  up  from  the  debris  of  the  rolling-stock  of  the 
road  and  consisted  of  old,  worn-out  cattle  and  stock  cars 
with  rough  pine  boards  for  seats  arranged  around  the  sides, 
for  the  men,  and  a  second-hand  coach  for  the  officers.  The 
majority  of  the  officers  were  justly  indignant  at  such  treat 
ment,  when  their  transportation  called  for  first-class,  and 
they  came  in  a  body  to  Dr.  Clark,  to  have  a  protest  made, 


170  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

based  011  sanitary  reasons.  He  went  to  the  Colonel,  who 
was  busy  talking  with  the  Superintendent  of  the  road,  and 
opened  his  battery  of  wrath  (backed  by  all  the  mutineers), 
saying  that  a  protest  had  been  made  by  all  the  commis 
sioned  officers  against  submitting  to  such  indignity  for 
themselves  or  men,  adding  that  he,  in  his  capacity  of  surgeon, 
charged  with  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  enlisted  men,  most 
strenuously  objected  to  the  train,  which  was  fit  only  for  the 
transportation  of  cattle  and  hogs.  "Go  'way,"  says  the 
Colonel,  "  and  mind  your  business !"  This  settled  it.  There 
was  no  farther  use  in  trying  to  get  a  change  of  cars,  and  the 
Doctor  left  the  Colonel's  presence,  merely  remarking  that 
if  he  persisted  in  accepting  that  train  he  might  ride 
alone.  Before  the  train  started  some  of  the  officers  relented 
and  jumped  aboard,  leaving  some  nine  or  more  behind  to 
await  the  express  train.  After  loitering  around  the  city 
until  fairly  tired,  and  with  the  conviction  that  we  had  been 
guilty  of  a  great  breach  of  discipline  as  well  as  being  very 
silly,  we  made  steps  for  the  depot  at  midnight  and  took  the 
express.  We  overtook  our  train  011  the  other  side  of  the 
mountain,  at  Altoona,  where  the  regiment  had  stopped  for 
breakfast,  and  rejoined  them  with  very  guilty  feelings  as 
well  as  looks.  After  breakfast  we  got  aboard  the  proper 
train,  and  were  soon  en  route  for  Chambersburg. 

After  a  little  the  Colonel  sent  his  orderly  around  with 
invitations  for  such  and  such  an  one  to  report,  and  on  report 
ing,  they  were  invariably  placed  under  arrest  to  await  a 
future  disposition.  At  last  the  Colonel  sent  his  orderly  with 
his  compliments,  and  would  be  glad  to  see  Dr.  Clark  at  his 
headquarters  on  board  train.  The  Doctor  mustered  his  courage 
and  dignity,  and  amid  the  smiles  of  his  confreres  in  the  same 
fix  went  up  the  aisle  to  the  front  of  the  car  and  took  a 
seat  beside  his  superior  officer — the  Colonel,  who  said,  "Why 
did  you,  sir,  disobey  my  orders  when  told  to  get  aboard  the 
train?" 


.    DISCIPLINE  IN   THE  ARMY.  171 

"Well,  sir,"  replied  the  Doctor,  "why  did  you  pay  no 
attention  to  the  protest,  which  was  made  in  the  interests  of 
your  command?  I  am  intrusted  with  their  health  and  felt 
in  duty  bound  to  remonstrate  against  their  being  huddled 
together  like  so  many  dumb  brutes,  and  still  maintain  my 
position  in  the  matter." 

"Well,  sir,"  said  Osborn,  "you  have  disobeyed  my 
orders,  and  I  shall  write  to  the  Surgeon-General  concerning 
your  conduct." 

"  All  right,  sir,"  replied  the  Doctor,  who  said  he  also 
would  write,  detailing  particularly  all  the  circumstances. 

As  was  expected,  before  reaching  Washington  all  the 
disobedient  officers  had  been  released  from  arrest  and  every 
thing  was  again  pleasant  and  serene,  although  it  would  have 
served  us  right  to  have  been  more  severely  punished  for  this 
mutinous  conduct.  The  discipline  in  a  majority  of  the 
volunteer  regiments  for  infractions  of  this  character  was 
more  apparent  than  real.  It  was  impossible  for  a  superior 
officer  of  the  same  command  to  enforce  the  rigid  discipline 
of  the  regular  army  and  tyrannize  over  men  who,  at  home, 
were  fully  his  equals,  if  not  more,  in  all  relations  of  a  social 
or  pecuniary  character,  and  as  the  war  would  not  last  for 
ever  there  might  come  a  reckoning  for  past  grievances  in 
the  shape  of  insults  and  punishments  given  and  taken  while 
dressed  in  a  "  little  brief  authority  "  and  protected  for  the 
time  by  military  law.  This,  however,  would  be  no  excuse 
where  the  good  of  the  service  would  be  compromised,  and 
in  all  well-disciplined  regiments  the  disobedience  of  a 
subaltern  of  whatever  grade,  or  the  refusal  to  do  duty  while 
in  the  face  and  front  of  the  enemy,  was  most  rigidly 
punished. 

We  have  heard  men  speak  most  scandalously  of  their 
officers,  using  all  the  opprobrious  epithets  they  could  call  to 
mind  when  being  punished  for  some  infraction  of  duty,  and 
many  examples  might  be  given,  but  as  this  was  seldom  the 


172  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

case  in  the  Thirty-Ninth  their  mention  is  not  relevant  to 
this  history. 

We  reached  Baltimore  after  a  safe  and  speedy  passage, 
on  the  morning  of  March  3d,  and  were  obliged  to  remain 
several  hours  to  await  means  of  transportation  to  Washington. 
Our  destination  was  reached  in  the  afternoon  and  we  were 
provided  with  temporary  quarters  in  the  barracks  adjoining 
the  "  Soldiers'  Best,"  where  we  passed  the  night  in  compar 
ative  comfort. 

The  following  day,  March  4th,  1864,  we  had  orders  to 
cross  the  Potomac  into  Virginia,  and  were  soon  on  the  tramp 
again,  passing  down  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  the  long  bridge 
which  was  crossed,  and  a  march  of  several  miles  brought  us 
into  camp  at  Arlington  Heights  on  a  side  hill  at  the  foot 
of  Fort  Barnard,  which  was  garrisoned  by  two  companies  of 
the  First  Connecticut  Heavy  Artillery  under  the  command 
of  Major  George  B.  Cook,  a  very  pleasant  and  gentlemanly 
officer,  who  did  all  that  was  possible  to  make  our  camp 
agreeable,  giving  us  lumber  for  flooring,  bunks,  desks,  etc., 
from  the  unoccupied  barracks  above  at  the  fort. 

The  weather  during  our  stay  was  most  disagreeable, 
raining  almost  every  day,  and  being  located  on  the  hillside 
great  care  was  necessary  in  ditching  to  conduct  the  water  to 
the  little  creek  below  in  order  to  prevent  the  flooding  of  the 
tents  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  where  the  hospital  and  head 
quarters  were  located.  The  soil  was  a  mixture  of  clay  and 
sand,  and  it  was  seldom  that  we  could  step  outside  without 
sinking  to  our  ankles  in  the  mud,  which  adhered  most 
tenaciously  to  our  boots.  Soon  after  reaching  this  place 
Colonel  Osborn  was  stricken  down  with  double  pneumonia 
and  was  a  very  sick  man  for  some  days,  and  had  not  Major 
Cook  of  the  Artillery  given  up  his  comfortable  bed  and 
quarters  for  the  use  of  the  Colonel,  which  he  most  gener 
ously  did  on  learning  of  his  illness,  the  Colonel  would  never 
have  helped  to  place  the  finishing  touch  on  the  rebellion  at 


LONG   BRIDGE— EXAMINING   A    PASS. 


173 


174  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Appomattox.  A  large  number  of  men  were  taken  sick  at 
this  camp  with  pneumonia,  typhoid  and  remittent  fevers, 
and  some  six  of  them  died.  The  Augur  general  hospital  at 
Camp  Distribution  was  near  by,  and  the  most  serious  cases 
were  sent  there  to  be  treated. 

There  were  in  the  regiment  quite  a  number  of  both 
officers  and  men  who  belonged  to  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
and  the  idea  was  conceived  of  opening  a  lodge  in  one  of  the 
many  unused  buildings  at  Fort  Barnard.  After  a  dispensa 
tion  had  been  received  from  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State 
of  Illinois  a  lodge  was  opened  and  soon  in  working  order, 
several  of  us  being  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of  this 
ancient  body. 

After  leaving  this  camp  our  lodge  was  broken  up,  for 
active  operations  in  the  field  commenced,  and  during  the 
succeeding  months  at  the  front  the  majority  of  the  officers 
of  our  lodge  were  either  killed  or  wounded — Captain 
Chauncey  Williams,  Company  H,  our  Worthy  Master,  being 
killed  in  action  August  16th,  1864;  and  two  other  officers 
of  the  lodge,  Captain  Leroy  A.  Baker,  Company  A,  and 
Lieutenant  Norman  C.  Warner,  Company  E,  were  each  so 
seriously  wounded  at  the  same  time  that  amputation  qf  their 
legs  became  necessary,  and  they  were  discharged. 

Tents  were  struck,  extra  baggage  turned  over  to  the 
acting  quartermaster,  Lieutenant  N.  C.  Warner,  and  we 
were  in  readiness  to  leave  camp  on  the  morning  of  April 
25th.  At  ten  A.M.  the  march  to  Alexandria  was  commenced; 
there  we  took  transports  and  proceeded  to  Gloucester  Point 
on  the  York  river  where  we  were  assigned  to  the  First 
Brigade,  First  Division  of  the  Tenth  Army  Corps,  tempo 
rarily  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  Kobert  S.  Foster, 
or  "Sandy"  Foster,  as  we  termed  him,  while  the  corps  was 
temporarily  under  the  care  of  General  Alfred  H.  Terry.  We 
remained  at  this  point  for  several  days,  reorganizing  the 
regiments,  brigades  and  divisions  of  the  corps,  turning  over 


BUTLER'S  EXPEDITION    UP    THE   JAMES.  175 

all  surplus  equipage  and  baggage,  even  to  our  extra 
clothing,  which  was  boxed  up  and  either  stored  away  or 
sent  home — thus  reducing  the  command  to  a  fighting 
condition. 

Everything  at  last  was  ready,  and  on  the  morning  of 
May  4th  we  embarked  on  the  transports  to  accompany 
General  Butler's  expedition  up  the  James  river  to  City  Point. 
In  the  meantime  the  medical  department  had  been  entirely 
revised.  The  Ambulance  corps  was  thoroughly  organized 
under  the  command  of  a  lieutenant,  an  Antenneith  dispensing 
wagon  attached  to  each  division,  details  made  for  the  carry 
ing  of  hospital  knapsacks  and  stretchers  or  litters,  with  two 
wagons  to  convey  the  medical  supplies  for  each  brigade. 
Details  were  also  made  of  medical  officers,  hospital  stewards, 
and  men  for  the  flying  hospital,  so  that  when  we  took  the 
field  everything  would  be  arranged  and  everybody  know 
their  duty  in  the  active  campaign  before  us.  Surgeon  Clark 
was  temporarily  detached  as  chief  medical  officer  of  the 
division  and  ordered  to  report  to  General  E.  S.  Foster, 
which  he  did  on  the  evening  of  May  3d,  Dr.  Kurtz  of  the 
Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  supplying  his  place  as  brigade 
surgeon. 

There  was  some  delay  in  getting  the  ambulances  and 
other  transportation  connected  with  the  division  aboard,  but  at 
last  everything  was  ready  by  ten  P.M.  May  4th.  During  the 
afternoon  of  this  day  the  steamship  "Arago"  came  in  bear 
ing  General  Gilmore  and  staff,  who  was  to  assume  command 
of  the  troops  at  this  point.  After  all  was  aboard,  we  moved 
out  into  the  stream  and  anchored  for  the  night.  We  spent 
some  hours  on  the  deck  of  our  steamer  in  company  with 
General  Foster  and  staff,  during  the  evening,  enjoying  the 
scene  presented  by  this  vast  fleet  of  vessels  at  anchor  in  the 
river.  It  seemed  like  a  fairy  scene — the  brilliant  lights  of 
varied  colors  swinging  from  the  masts;  bands  of  music  here 
-and  there  discoursing  lively  tunes,  and  the  glorious  Stars 


176  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

and  Stripes  above  all,  floating  and  flaunting  in  a  delicious 

breeze. 

At  daylight,  May  5th,  the  whole  fleet  got  under  way 
and  went  gallantly  down  the  York  river  to  Chesapeake  bay, 
reaching  Fort  Monroe  at  nine  o'clock  A.M.  We  halted  just 
long  enough  to  get  instructions-  that  ordered  us  to  proceed 
up  the  James  river.  The  day  was  lovely,  and  we  enjoyed 
the  scenery  along  the  river,  which  was  beautiful;  often 
recalling  to  mind,  as  we  journeyed  along,  the  many  remin 
iscences  attaching  to  General  McClellan's  campaign  on  the 
Peninsula,  especially  Harrison's  Landing,  where  we  could 
point  out  the  location  of  our  camp  in  1802,  and  the  view 
called  up  many  pleasing  as  well  as  sorrowful  recollections. 

We  reached  City  Point  about  four  P.M.  where  there 
were  the  ruins  of  some  recently  burned  buildings  and  where 
the  advance  of  our  fleet  had  a  skirmish  with  a  small  body  of 
the  enemy.  Our  division  did  not  stop,  but  proceeded  on  to 
Bermuda  Hundred — so  called  from  the  fact  that  a  settlement 
was  made  there  by  one  hundred  persons  from  the  island  of 
Bermuda  many  years  ago. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


In  the  Army  of  the  James—  Move  Towards  Drury's  Bluff—  Intrenching— 
Skirmish  at  Chester  Heights—  Driving  the  Rebels  Back  on  Fort 
Darling—  Colonel  Osborn  Wounded—  Digging  Rifle-Pits—  Jenkins 
Wounded—  The  Surgeons  in  a  Fix—  A  Gentlemanly  Aid-de-Camp  — 
Butler  Anticipated—  Plimpton's  Account  of  the  Battle  of  Drury's 
Bluff  -Casualties—  Major  Linton  Points  out  a  few  Errors—  Loss  to 
Butler's  Army—  A  Remarkable  Battle—  Adjutant  Walker  and  Captain 
Wightman—  Kendall  Says  He's  Dead—  Other  Incidents—  The  Honor 
of  the  State  of  Illinois  Must  be  Maintained—  Experience  of  Lace  and 
Crozier—  Get  Back  to  the  Old  Camp—  The  Wounded. 


were  now  in  the  "Army  of  the  James,"  consisting  of 
two  Army  Corps—  the  Tenth  and  Eighteenth,  under 
the  command  of  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler.  General 
Grant,  now  Lieutenant-General,  had  taken  the  supreme  com 
mand  of  all  the  Union  forces,  and  with  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  was  preparing  to  move  against  General  Lee  by  way  of 
the  Wilderness,  and  the  Army  of  the  James  had  been  organ 
ized  for  the  purpose  of  moving  on  Petersburg  and  Kichmond 
while  the  attention  of  the  Confederate  army  was  being 
diverted  by  Grant;  and  it  is  now  known  that  if  a  rapid 
advance  had  been  made  by  Butler's  army  after  landing  at 
Bermuda  Hundred,  the  capital  of  the  Confederate  govern 
ment  would  have  easily  fallen  into  our  hands. 

We  landed  at  Bermuda  Hundred  and  bivouacked  for 
the  night  in  an  open  field.  We  were  now  within  fifteen 
miles  of  Kichmond,  and  only  seven  from  Petersburg.  At 
break  of  day  we  took  up  the  line  of  march  in  the  direction 
of  Drury's  Bluff.  Our  progress  was  very  slow,  owing  to  fre 
quent  halts  made  necessary  to  await  the  action  of  the  stir. 
mishers.  We  were  almost  a  full  day  in  making  a  distance 

12  i  —  — 


178  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  six  miles,  and  finally  bivouacked  on  the  night  of  May  6th, 
and  the  following  morning  made  encampment.  The  men 
were  soon  put  to  work  throwing  up  intrenchments,  spades 
having  once  more  turned  up  as  the  trump  card  in  the  game. 
The  policy  of  our  commander  seemed  to  be  to  act  on  the 
defensive  and  to  prevent  reinforcements  being  sent  to  Lee  by 
tearing  up  the  Eichmond  and  Petersburg  railroad,  which  ran 
some  three  miles  in  front  of  our  position. 

The  Second  Division  of  the  Tenth  Corps,  in  command 
of  General  Turner,  was  ordered  out  for  this  purpose  011  the 
7th,  and  a  brisk  skirmish  with  the  enemy  took  place  near 
Chester  Heights.  Our  force  succeeded  in  reaching  the  rail 
road  and  destroyed  it  for  some  distance,  but  gained  no  other 
advantage  after  losing  some  two  hundred  and  fifty  men. 
General  Beauregard,  who  commanded  the  Confederate  forces 
in  our  front,  had  succeeded  in  reinforcing  Petersburg  the 
previous  night;  otherwise  the  results  would  have  been 
different. 

The  12th  of  May  General  Butler  sent  out  a  still  heavier 
force  under  Generals  Gilmore  and  "  Baldy "  Smith,  which 
forced  the  rebels  back  on  Fort  Darling,  where  they  were  in 
trenched.  At  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  May  14th  the 
Thirty-Ninth  were  ordered  to  advance,  being  called  upon  to 
guard  an  ammunition  train  to  the  front.  We  reached  the 
front  at  two  o'clock  P.M.  and  at  five  o'clock  received  orders  to 
advance  to  the  extreme  left  of  General  Gilmore' s  line  to  sup 
port  a  battery  of  artillery  quite  near  the  railroad.  While 
advancing,  the  rebels  opened  up  a  lively  firing  with  grape 
and  canister,  and  the  men  were  ordered  to  lie  down. 
Colonel  Osborn,  however,  still  remained  upon  his  horse, 
"Old  Mack,"  and  here  it  was  that  he  received  a  wound  in  the 
right  elbow-joint,  the  first  and  last  hit  of  the  war,  and  which 
confined  him  to  hospital  for  some  months,  and  to-day  he 
carries  a  stiff  arm  with  the  "souvenir"  the  rebels  gave  him 
somewhere  embedded  in  the  joint.  Colonel  Osborn  re- 


COL.    OSBORN   GOES   TO    THE  HOSPITAL.  179 

mained  on  the  field  until  his  regiment  occupied  the  desired 
position,  and  then  reported  at  the  field  hospital,  only  because 
forced  to  do  so  from  pain  and  loss  of  blood.  Patient  search 
was  made  for  the  ball  which  had  lodged  in  the  joint,  but  it 
could  not  be  found ;  and  after  giving  the  limb  a  dressing  the 
Colonel  was  directed  to  go  back  to  our  camp  within  the  in- 
trenchments.  The  following  morning,  without  waiting  for 
another  examination  which  was  promised,  he  mounted  his 
horse  and  rode  to  Bermuda  Hundred  landing,  where  he  took 
the  hospital  boat  and  was  conveyed  to  Chesapeake  hospital 
at  Fort  Monroe.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann,  who  had  been 
on  the  sick  list  for  several  days,  accompanied  him  for  the 
purpose  of  giving  him  assistance  and  for  instructions  before 
going  to  the  front  to  take  command.  The  Colonel,  however, 
strongly  advised  him  to  stay  back,  for  said  he  "  The  rebels 
are  going  to  give  us  h— e-1-1 !  The  regiment  is  fully  officered, 
Major  Linton  will  handle  it  well ;  and  bear  in  mind  you  will 
soon  have  a  chance  to  command  it  in  battle." 

Notwithstanding  this  advice,  which  was  emphasized  most 
strongly  by  the  Colonel's  painful  wound,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Mann,  after  seeing  Osborn  safely  to  the  boat,  returned  and 
made  his  way  to  the  front,  reaching  there  as  the  regiment,  or 
what  was  left  of  it,  was  falling  back,  bravely  fighting  for 
each  foot  of  ground  almost  single-handed — their  support  on 
either  flank  having  retreated  almost  an  hour  before. 

On  his  way  back  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  saw  sutler 
Brown,  who  had  become  demoralized  and  shut  up  shop,  and 
was  doubtless  on  his  way  to  the  boat.  Brown  was  reclining 
at  the  foot  of  a  tree  with  his  carpet-sack  under  his  head,  and 
was  fast  asleep. 

Colonel  Mann,  familiar  with  Brown's  habits  and  con 
cluding  that  he  must  have  a  large  sum  of  money  with  him, 
and  thinking  to  give  him  a  good  wholesome  scare  as  well  as 
lesson,  removed  the  grip-sack  from  under  his  head  and 
placed  it  behind  an  adjoining  tree.  Then  remounting  his 


180  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

horse  he  awoke  the  sutler  from  his  slumbers.  Brown's  first 
concern  on  awaking  was  his  satchel,  and  finding  it  gone, 
he  instantly  exclaimed  in  his  quick,  incisive  manner, 
"Where's  my  satchel!  Where's  that  satchel!!  My  God! 
thirty  thousand  dollars  in  that  satchel!  and  I'm  ruined,  Sir, 
RUINED!  "  and  he  bustled  about  like  a  crazy  man.  In  a  few 
moments  the  Lieutenant-Colonel,  thinking  that  a  sufficient 
lesson  on  his  folly  had  been  given  the  now  thoroughly 
frightened  man,  pointed  out  the  resting  place  of  the  wealth, 
and  with  one  bound  the  sutler  cleared  the  space  that  sepa 
rated  him  from  his  god— Money,  and  took  up  his  march  to 
the  landing,  a  wiser  man.  Begging  pardon  for  this  di 
gression,  we  now  resume  the  thread  of  our  narrative. 

The  regiment  lay  in  support  of  the  battery  in  command 
of  Major  S.  S.  Linton  during  the  night,  and  on  the  morning 
of  the  15th,  having  been  provided  with  spades,  dug  a  trench, 
throwing  up  rifle-pits  the  whole  length  of  their  line,  for  they 
were  exposed  to  a  more  or  less  constant  fire  from  the  enemy. 
During  the  whole  of  the  15th  an  intermittent  firing  was  kept 
up  from  sharpshooters  on  both  sides,  and  no  sooner  would  a 
man  expose  himself,  than  he  was  sure  of  becoming  a  target. 
William  H.  Jenkins,  of  Company  C,  in  his  enthusiasm,  and 
withal  curious  to  see  what  was  going  on,  received  the 
compliments  of  some  watchful  "  Johnny  "  in  the  shape  of  a 
bullet  in  his  neck  which  made  a  clean  passage  through  his 
"meat  pipe;"  and  before  falling,  another  ball  grazed  his 
shoulder.  Jenkins  received  four  different  wounds  while  in 
the  service,  the  last  one  of  which  (October  13,  1864) 
resulted,  after  two  years  of  painful  suffering,  in  amputation 
of  the  thigh,  which  was  done  at  the  "Soldiers'  Home"  in 
Chicago,  after  vain  endeavors  to  save  the  limb. 

During  the  afternoon  of  the  15th  Surgeons  Clark  and 
Kittenger  had  orders  to  advance  with  a  section  of  the  field 
hospital  nearer  the  front  and  prepare  for  the  reception  of  the 
wounded  from  the  general  assault  that  had  been  ordered  for 


THE  SURGEONS'   EYE-OPENER. 


181 


the  next  day.  Their  tables  and  shelters  were  advanced 
nearly  half  a  mile,  having  selected  a  grove  near  General 
Butler's  headquarters. 

At  night  the  surgeons  and  assistants  occupied  the 
second  story  of  one  of  the  brick  out-buildings  for  a  dormi 
tory,  and  retired  early  in  order  to  be  refreshed  for  the  work 
of  the  morrow.  All  was  peaceful  until  three  o'clock  A.M. 
when  a  "  Whitworth  bolt"  from  the  enemy  came  crashing 
through  the  building  just  over  their  heads,  scattering  bricks 


LINE  or  DEFENSE — BERMUDA  HUNDBED. 

and  debris  in  all  directions.  This  was  the  first  gun — the 
prelude  to  the  opening  of  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  May 
16th,  and  proved  a  decided  "eye-opener"  for  the  doctors, 
who  scampered  out  into  a  dense,  foggy  atmosphere  that 
completely  veiled  everything. 

Beauregard  had  anticipated  Butler,  and  under  cover  of 
the  fog  and  darkness  made  a  furious  assault  on  the  right 
of  our  lines,  which  unfortunately  was  a  weak  point  and 
poorly  prepared  to  receive  the  shock.  The  rebel  column 


182  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

came  on  with  terrible  yells  and  forced  their  way  through  our 
lines,  becoming  badly  mixed  up  with  our  men.  Beauregard 
had  evidently  discovered  the  weak  point  in  Butler's  right 
wing  the  evening  before — the  extreme  right  for  the  distance 
of  a  mile  to  the  river  being  thinly  picketed  by  a  single 
negro  regiment.  Beauregard' s  attack  had  been  successful, 
the  dense  fog  contributing  largely  to  his  efforts.  But  he 
was  in  no  condition  to  follow  our  forces  in  their  retreat,  and 
by  ten  o'clock  A.  M.  the  fighting  for  the  day  was  over. 

It  is  probably  a  fact  that  for  a  distance  of  one-half 
mile  beginning  at  the  river  there  were  absolutely  no  pickets 
whatever,  hence  the  Confederates  were  massed  on  the  flank 
and  in  the  rear  of  General  Hickman's  brigade,  and  easily 
captured  a  large  portion  of  it. 

The  surgeons  still  remained  in  the  grove,  where  bullets 
began  to  spatter  against  the  trees  thick  and  fast.  They  did 
not  know  which  way  to  turn,  and  could  see  nothing,  but 
could  distinctly  hear  the  roar  of  the  combat.  While  debat 
ing  on  what  course  to  pursue  an  "Aid"  of  General  Butler's 
came  hurriedly  by,  and  seeing  them,  halted  and  said,  "  You 
d — n  fools!  if  you  don't  want  to  be  captured  by  the  enemy, 
you  had  better  make  tracks  from  here,  and  lively  too! 
They're  closing  fast  upon  us!"  The  surgeons  did  not  stop 
to  resent  this  unmannerly  address,  for  the  (jenilemanly  Aid 
and  they  retreated  to  the  rear,  after  securing  their  instru 
ments  and  horses,  and  were  soon  back  to  their  old  place  of 
the  preceding  day,  feeling  badly  demoralized. 

Affairs  remained  comparatively  quiet  until  eight  o'clock 
A.M.,  when  Beauregard  advanced  on  Gilmore's  troops  occupy 
ing  the  position  behind  their  breastworks  at  Drury's  Bluff. 
Massing  his  column,  he  made  three  successive  and  desperate 
charges  upon  our  line  and  each  time  the  enemy  was  driven 
back.  The  position  occupied  by  the  Thirty-Ninth  was  along 
an  extended  line  of  ridge  running  through  an  open  field 
from  the  Richmond  and  Petersburg  railroad  to  a  piece  of 


THE   BATTLE    OF  DRURTS  BLUFF.  183 

timber  on  the  left.  In  front  was  a  plat  of  low,  open 
ground.  The  line  of  our  troops  across  the  railroad  was 
through  the  timber  and  extending  somewhat  in  advance 
of  it.  The  left  of  the  regiment  was  entirely  unsupported 
even  by  a  cavalry  squad.  In  order  to  present  a  detailed 
account  of  the  part  the  Thirty-Ninth  took  in  this  battle,  the 
narrative  of  one  who  participated  in  it  is  here  inserted. 

CAPTAIN  HOMER  A.  PLIMPTON'S   NARRATIVE   OF   THE  BATTLE 
OF  DRURY'S  BLUFF,  MAY  16TH,  1864. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  was  called  out  early  on  the  morning  of  the  14th 
inst.  and  ordered  to  guard  an  ammunition  train  to  the  left  of  the  line  of 
advance.  At  four  A.M.  it  left  camp  and  marched  two  miles  to  the  Rich 
mond  and  Petersburg  pike,  thence  to  the  railroad  a  mile  farther  at  Chester 
Station,  where  it  halted  some  two  hours  waiting  the  arrival  of  several  coal 
cars  that  had  been  discovered  up  the  track.  At  last  it  started  up  the 
railroad  towards  our  line  of  battle,  which  was  over  two  miles  in  the 
advance,  but  it  only  advanced  a  short  distance  when  the  looked-for  cars 
arrived,  and  Companies  G  and  I  were  detached  from  the  regiment  to  push 
the  cars  to  the  front  for  the  wounded  who  had  been  gathered  up  and  laid 
by  the  roadside;  the  main  portion  of  the  regiment  remained  near  Chester 
Station  to  guard  the  ammunition  train.  The  hotel  there  was  transformed 
by  our  surgeons  into  a  hospital  for  the  wounded.  As  fast  as  the  coal  cars 
would  be  loaded  with  the  wounded  a  dozen  men  or  more  would  push  them 
up  to  Chester  Station  and  unload,  and  return  to  the  front  for  more.  Such 
were  the  duties  of  Companies  G  and  I.  They  had  succeeded  in  removing 
all  of  the  wounded  up  to  one  o'clock  P.M.  when  they  received  orders  from 
General  Gilmore  to  report  to  him  at  the  front  immediately.  The  balance 
of  the  regiment  was  brought  forward  and  moved  to  the  left  of  the  line, 
where  in  a  short  time  it  was  assigned  to  the  duty  of  supporting  a  por 
tion  of  the  First  New  Jersey  Battery.  There  was  some  delay  in  posting 
the  battery,  owing  to  the  incessant  and  heavy  firing  of  the  enemy's  skir 
mishers  and  sharpshooters,  during  which  time  our  regiment  had  quite 
a  number  wounded.  The  battery  having  got  into  position  on  a  rise  of 
ground  just  to  the  left  of  the  railroad  and  in  good  view  and  easy  range  of 
the  rebel  fortifications,  opened  with  decided  effect. 

Then  began  a  hot  contest  between  the  rebel  forts  and  our  batteries 
along  the  whole  line,  which  continued  until  darkness  set  in.  During  the 
heat  of  the  engagement  the  Thirty-Ninth  moved  from  the  timber  in  rear  of 
the  battery,  every  man  lying  flat  on  the  ground  for  protection  as  he  got 
his  place  in  line.  All  of  this  occurred  on  the  14th.  In  passing  from  the 
timber  and  over  the  open  field  for  a  distance  of  fifteen  rods  the  crashing 


184  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  shells  and  whiz  of  balls  was  terrific,  and  quite  a  number  of  the  regiment 
were  wounded.  Colonel  Osborn,  who  was  on  horseback,  was  struck  in  the 
right  elbow  by  a  shrapnel  shot,  fracturing  the  bone  at  the  point  of  the 
elbow.  He  continued  on  duty  until  dark,  when  the  command  of  the  regi 
ment  was  turned  over  to  Major  S.  S.  Linton,  the  Lieutenant-Colonel,  O.  L. 
Mann,  being  in  camp  sick.  The  New  Jersey  battery  plied  their  guns  well 
and  bravely,  but  lost  heavily  in  men  and  horses.  At  dark  the  battery 
went  to  the  rear  and  the  Thirty-Ninth  moved  to  the  right,  and  the  right  of 
the  first  company  (I)  rested  on  the  railroad;  the  Fifty-Fifth  Pennsylvania, 
being  the  next  in  line  on  the  right,  rested  its  left  on  the  railroad  opposite 
our  right. 

At  daylight  on  the  15th  the  regiment  retired  from  the  top  of  the 
ridge  where  it  had  remained  during  the  night  and  formed  a  line  parallel 
with  its  first  one,  about  five  rods  to  the  rear,  again  lying  flat  on  the  ground 
to  avoid  the  rebel  missiles.  Companies  I  and  G,  being  on  the  right  and 
most  exposed,  threw  up  a  slight  ridge  of  earthworks  in  front  of  them,  suffi 
cient  to  protect  the  front  rank;  the  other  companies  did  the  same,  so  that 
by  evening  the  little  ridge  extended  along  the  front  to  the  extreme  left  of 
our  line  of  battle,  there  being  two  other  regiments  on  the  left  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth. 

The  day  was  very  quiet  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  enemy 
opened  upon  us  with  artillery,  doing  some  mischief.  Two  men  of  Com 
pany  E  were  killed — Silas  Benton  and  Elisha  Karr,  and  two  severely 
wounded,  by  one  shell. 

The  ground  between  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  and  the  rebel  rifle  pits, 
about  six  hundred  yards  off,  was  descending,  with  now  and  then  a  shrub  to 
obstruct  the  vision.  On  the  right  was  the  railroad,  along  which  ran  a  rail 
fence,  almost  obscured  by  tall  grass  and  shrubs,  extending  to  the  rebel 
rifle-pits;  and  on  the  left  was  a  board  fence  reaching  the  rebel  rifle-pits  on 
the  left  just  at  the  edge  of  a  small  grove  of  about  three  acres  in  area. 
Beyond  the  rifle-pits  of  the  enemy  the  ground  was  ascending  to  their  line 
of  forts  about  four  hundred  yards  farther  back,  bringing  them  on  a  level 
with  us. 

The  night  of  the  15th  was  spent  by  the  regiment  in  strengthening 
the  works  in  our  front  in  order  that  the  two  ranks  might  be  secure  from 
rebel  shell  and  shot. 

The  16th  dawned  and  the  fog  was  so  dense  until  seven  o'clock  that  it 
was  impossible  to  discover  a  man  six  rods  off.  About  four  o'clock  in  the 
morning  the  rebels  opened  on  the  right,  where  the  Eighteenth  Army  Corps 
was  stationed,  and  the  firing  continued  to  increase  towards  the  left  until 
seven  o'clock,  when  the  regiments  on  the  left  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  were 
ordered  to  another  point,  the  supposition  with  us  being  that  a  charge  was 
about  to  be  made  on  a  rebel  fort  just  to  our  right.  The  Thirty-Ninth  then 
formed  in  single  rank  and  occupied  their  own  and  the  most  of  the  left 
trenches,  and  prepared  to  do  its  part  should  the  rebels  make  a  demonstra- 


CAPT.   PLIMPTON'S    VERSION.  185 

tion  in  that  direction.  As  the  fog  arose  we  gazed  toward  the  rebel  lines  to 
observe  their  maneuvering,  and  as  a  sudden  fierce  and  loud  renewal  of  the 
strife  to  our  right  began  we  saw  slowly  wending  their  way  from  their  pits 
near  the  railroad  and  endeavoring  to  advance  by  the  flank  up  the  track, 
two  columns  of  the  enemy  with  flags  spread  to  the  breeze,  evidently  deter 
mined  on  attacking  us.  Another  column  was  also  approaching  the  left  of 
our  regiment  along  the  fence.  All  nerved  themselves  for  the  contest, 
believing  that  much  depended  upon  their  holding  the  position  they  had 
been  placed  in,  and  knowing  that  if  the  enemy  attacked  them  in  front 
they  were  equal  to  twice  or  thrice  their  own  number.  But  on  the  columns 
came,  steady  and  apparently  confident;  the  combat  on  our  right  which 
had  raged  with  great  fierceness  had  become  reduced  to  desultory  firing; 
the  men  we  had  out  as  skirmishers  along  the  fence  by  the  railroad  were 
driven  back  hurriedly  to  our  breastworks,  when  we  opened  on  the  enemy 
from  the  entire  line.  They  returned  the  fire,  and  the  fighting  commenced 
with  energy  and  determination. 

In  the  meantime  all  of  the  other  troops  had  retired,  and  an  order  had 
been  received  by  our  Major*  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  to  retreat;  but  before 
he  could  communicate  the  order  he  was  severely  wounded  through  the  left 
side,  and  the  regiment  remained  in  ignorance  of  the  condition  of  all 
around  it,  but  resolved  to  hold  its  own  or  be  driven  to  some  desperate 
strait.  But  the  column  on  the  railroad  was  protected  from  our  fire  by  the 
high  bank  on  either  side,  and  therefore  advanced  rapidly  and  securely;  as 
it  got  even  with  our  flank  resting  on  the  railroad  a  severe  fire  was  suddenly 
opened  lengthwise  with  the  trench  which  made  the  position  of  the  regi 
ment  untenable,  and  hence  the  men  "took  for  the  woods"  the  shortest 
way  under  a  raking  fire  of  musketry  from  front  and  flank.  On  getting  a 
short  distance  into  the  timber,  and  being  under  the  impression  that  the 
balance  of  the  line  was  perfect,  and  that  by  our  leaving  the  position  we 
held  the  whole  line  might  be  flanked,  the  order  was  given  to  "  charge  on 
the  trenches,"  thus  hoping  to  regain  our  works.  That  order  was  repeated 
immediately  by  a  dozen  voices,  and  a  simultaneous  charge,  though  every 
one  for  himself,  was  made  by  Companies  I,  G,  and  C.  The  rebels  were 
driven  from  our  line,  and  by  rushing  up  to  the  railroad  and  concentrating 
our  fire  on  the  column  passing  along  it  our  forces  cut  it  in  two,  driving 
half  of  it  back  to  their  works  whilst  the  portion  in  advance  continued  on 
its  way  within  our  lines,  as  we  thought. 

The  left  of  our  regiment  having  by  that  time  learned  that  a  retreat 
had  been  ordered,  did  not  come  back  to  the  trenches;  so  the  three  com 
panies  before  mentioned  were  left  to  triumph  in  a  victory  which  proved  to 
be  of  short  duration.  The  column  which  we  had  sundered  had  "  about- 
faced,"  and  was  coming  back  slowly  and  steadily  on  the  railroad  track,  of 
which  fact  we  were  speedily  apprised  and  also  assured  that  we  were 

*See  Major  Linton's  letter,  p.  186. 


186  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

surroiinded — that  our  whole  line  had  fallen  back.  Captain  Rudd  went  to 
the  bank  above  the  railroad  at  the  edge  of  the  timber  and  ordered  the 
rebels  to  surrender;  they  lowered  the  muzzles  of  their  pieces  but  advanced 
slowly,  their  eyes  fixed  upon  the  Captain  and  the  small  squad  about  him  as 
if  in  doubt  what  to  do.  Our  men  were  cautioned  not  to  shoot,  a  dozen 
singing  out  the  word  at  a  time.  Still  the  "rebs"  came  on,  when  a  shot  heed 
lessly  or  inadvertently  fired  by  one  of  the  men  brought  a  volley  from  the 
rebel  column  which  set  all  parley  aside.  The  Captain  and  his  squad 
turned  just  in  time  to  escape  the  rebel  bullets.  A  brisk  skirmish  then 
ensued,  but  the  fight  was  unequal,  for  the  enemy  had  closed  upon  us  from 
front  and  left  and  the  column  on  the  track  began  to  spring  into  the  woods 
to  our  rear  to  prevent  our  retreat,  and  we  again  had  to  cross  the  open 
space  between  our  trench  and  the  timber  under  a  most  galling  fire. 
Every  man  for  himself,  firing  as  he  could,  struck  for  the  timber,  but  many 
went  but  a  short  distance  when  they  were  cut  down  in  their  career  by  the 
bullets  of  the  enemy  and  left  on  the  field  where  they  fell. 

The  loss  in  the  regiment  was  one  hundred  and  nineteen  enlisted  men 
and  eight  officers  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Adjutant  J.  D.  Walker 
and  Captain  James  Wightman,  Company  C,  were  mortally  wounded.  The 
entire  force  which  so  successfully  on  the  13th  inst.  retired  within  our  line 
of  fortifications  returned  to  their  camp  on  the  evening  of  the  16th,  badly 
crippled,  and  almost  decimated  in  numbers.  General  Butler  assured  us, 
however,  that  the  objects  of  the  move  were  fully  achieved  and  the  whole 
affair  was  satisfactory.  However  that  may  be,  it  leaves  the  bitter  cup  of 
sorrow  to  be  drained  by  many  friends  and  relatives  of  those  who  have  met 
a  sad  fate,  meted  out  to  them  by  the  stern  realities  of  battle. 

The  account  of  Major  (then  Captain)  Plimpton  is,  with 
a  few  exceptions,  correct.  The  errors  have  been  pointed  out 
to  the  writer  by  a  letter  received  from  Major  S.  S.  Linton 
and  which  in  part,  is  here  presented. 

MINNEAPOLIS,  MINN.,  December  28,  1887. 

Dr.  C.  M.  Clark—Dear  Comrade:  *  *  *  *  *  I  find 
Plimpton's  account  of  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  16th,  1864, 
to  contain  a  few  errors.  For  example, — we  never  received  an  order  to  fall 
back.  The  only  order  we  ever  received  was  to  "fill  the  trenches  and  hold 
them;"  and  that  order  was  received  in  the  early  morning. 

Again: — Captain  Wightman,  of  Company  C,  and  Adjutant  Walker 
were  both  wounded  and  taken  off  the  field  before  I  was  wounded.  Also, 
Companies  I,  G,  and  C  went  to  the  rear  on  my  order  to  re-form  in  the  woods, 
my  idea  being  to  fall  back  as  soon  as  my  command  was  closed  up  in  two 
ranks,  as  we  were  then  in  one  very  thin  rank;  but  they  evidently  misunder 
stood  my  order,  as  they  went  back  in  confusion.  I  ordered  them  to  halt,  in 


KENDALL  SAYS,   HE'S  DEAD.  187 

a  loud  voice,  and  ran  after  them  in  the  woods;  but  not  seeing  them  I  ran 
slowly  towards  the  left  of  the  regiment  and  came  upon  the  rear  of  Com 
pany  D,  which  was  the  center  company  of  the  regiment,  intending  to  order 
the  left  wing  of  the  regiment  to  fall  back,  but  as  I  crossed  the  open  space 
I  saw  that  the  right  wing  had  returned  to  the  trenches  and  were  in  vigorous 
combat  with  the  rebels.  As  I  crossed  the  open  space  I  was  struck  by  a 
bullet.  I  saw  at  once  that  we  must  drive  the  enemy  back  before  we  could 
retreat  in  order,  and  I  immediately  turned  to  go  to  the  right  and  assist  in 
driving  them  back  when  I  got  my  second  and  lung  wound.  I  was  aware 
that  we  were  flanked  on  the  right  by  the  rebel  line  across  the  road,  by  see 
ing  the  Pennsylvania  regiment  in  retreat.  The  regiment  fell  back  inside 
of  twenty  minutes  after  I  was  wounded.  The  men  who  undertook  to  carry 
me  back  were  captured,  and  it  was  not  over  five  or  ten  minutes  time  before 
I  saw  Captain  Baker,  Company  A,  with  the  left  wing,  and  they  carried  me 
off  the  field.  Yours,  etc,  S.  S.  LINTON. 

The  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff  was  in  fact  the  first  real 
battle  that  the  Thirty-Ninth  was  engaged  in,  and  it  lost  in 
killed,  wounded  and  missing  one  hundred  and  nineteen  offi 
cers  and  enlisted  men;  and  the  loss  to  Butler's  army  num 
bered  fully  three  thousand.  It  lasted  fully  thirteen  hours, 
and  was  most  hotly  contested,  and  in  many  respects  it  was  a 
remarkable  battle,  considering  the  early  morning  hour  in 
which  it  began,  the  dense  fog  that  obscured  the  combatants 
up  to  seven  o'clock,  and  the  surprise  and  the  great  superior 
ity  in  the  numbers  of  the  assailants.  There  were  many 
hand-to-hand  encounters  and  bayonet  charges,  and  many  acts 
of  heroism  that  will  never  be  recounted.  The  Thirty-Ninth 
was  at  one  time  nearly  surrounded  by  reason  of  the  retreat 
of  the  Seventy-Sixth  Pennsylvania  on  the  right  of  the  line, 
but  they  heroically  cut  their  way  out,  bringing  with  them  a 
large  number  of  prisoners.  The  rebel  loss  greatly  exceeded 
ours  and  it  was  a  great  disappointment  to  the  rebel  leader 
that  he  did  not  crush  and  destroy  Butler's  army.  The 
deportment  of  the  regiment  in  this  battle  was  such  that  it 
received  the  personal  thanks  of  the  General  commanding  for 
their  display  of  heroism  and  endurance.  There  were  many 
incidents  connected  with  this  fight,  some  painful,  but  several 
rather  pleasing  in  character.  Adjutant  Joseph  D.  Walker 


188  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

was  mortally  wounded,  and  also  Captain  James  "Wightman 
of  Company  C,  at  the  time  that  the  assault  of  the  second  line 
of  rebels  had  been  gallantly  repulsed.  These  officers  were 
so  elated  with  the  success  of  our  "boys"  that  they  sprang 
upon  the  embankment  of  earth  in  front  of  the  pits  waving 
their  swords,  and  calling  for  cheers,  when  they  were  shot 
down  by  a  volley  from  rebels  on  the  flank. 

Captain  N.  B.  Kendall  of  Company  G  (then  Corporal) 
was  wounded  by  a  rifle  bullet  which  struck  him  on  the  head, 
causing  a  severe  scalp  wound  and  a  great  confusion  of  ideas. 
McKee  of  that  company  says  that  he  passed  him  just  after 
he  was  hit,  and  Kendall  was  crying  out  "  O!  I'm  dead!  I'm 
dead!  "  and  the  presumption  is,  that  anybody  under  the  same 
circumstances  would  have  been  somewhat  "mixed  up"  as 
regarded  their  condition. 

After  the  rebels  had  succeeded  in  flanking  the  position, 
the  right  wing  fell  back,  and  after  getting  back  some  twenty 
rods,  near  the  timber,  an  order  came  to  "  Rally  on  the  rifle- 
pits!"  This  order  was  supposed  to  have  been  given  by 
Major  Linton,  but  it  proved  to  be  from  a  rebel  officer  on  the 
flank.  Captain  Leroy  A.  Baker,  Company  A,  was  with  the 
colors  at  this  time,  and  the  boys  at  this  command  followed 
him  back  with  cheers,  and  on  arriving  at  the  pits  found  the 
third  line  of  the  enemy  within  short  range,  and  advancing 
with  the  confidence  of  securing  an  easy  victory ;  but  our  men, 
flushed  with  the  pride  of  two  successive  victories  over  the 
assaulting  rebels,  and  feeling  that  the  honor  of  the  State  of 
Illinois  must  be  maintained  by  its  sole  representative  in  the 
Army  of  the  James,  delivered  a  steady,  well-directed  and 
deadly  volley  which  quickly  upset  all  their  calculations,  and 
in  a  few  moments  they  were  in  retreat;  then  turning  their 
attention  to  the  flanking  column  they  succeeded  in  cutting 
their  way  through  them,  and  returned  to  the  intrenchments 
at  Bermuda  Hundred. 

At  the  time  the  enemy  were  flanking  the  line  of  the 


EXPERIENCE    OF  LACE   AND    CROZ1ER. 


189 


Thirty-Ninth,  Assistant-Surgeon  James  Crozier,  who  had 
accompanied  the  regiment  to  their  position,  and  Philip  M. 
Lace,  the  leader  of  the  band,  and  who  had  supervision  of 
the  stretcher  bearers,  thought  it  about  time  that  they  should 
be  retiring  from  the  front,  and  the  following  is  the  version 
of  that  attempt  as  given  to  the  writer  by  Lace,  afterwards: 
"You  see,  Doc,  we  were  laying  back  some  two  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  from  the  rifle-pits,  watching  and  waiting  for 
something  to  'turn  up.'  The  'boys'  were  all  doing  their 


THE  HOSPITAL  STEAMEB. 


'  level  best '  and  giving  the  Johnnies  particular  h — 11  every 
time  they  came  up.  Soon  we  saw  the  regiment  on  the  right 
of  the  Thirty-Ninth  give  way — couldn't  stand  the  pressure, 
you  know;  and  a  body  of  rebels  came  swooping  around  on 
the  flank  of  '  our  boys '  and  they  delivered  a  lively  fire  that 
swept  the  trenches.  Some  stray  shots  came  in  our  direction, 
and  we  could  see  the  '  rebs '  just  more  than  jumping  up 
around  us.  Then,  Doc,  Crozier  just  went  off  on  a  tangent! 
with  coat-tails  flying!  and  I  after  him;  and  when  the  bullets 


190  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

came  singing  and  whizzing  by,  we  would  just  drop  down 
and  go  it  on  all-fours;  then  when  there  would  come  a  little 
lull  and  quiet,  we  would  up  again,  and  those  long  legs  of 
Crozier's  would  just  go  flying  like  a  jackass  rabbit's.  I 
wish  you  could  have  seen  us  about  the  time  of  our  liveliest 
gait!  nothing  more  than  shadows,  and  then  half  the  time 
invisible  by  reason  of  ducking  and  stumbling.  We  finally 
reached  a  safe  position  back  among  our  troops,  and  after  so 
long  a  chase  thought  we'd  take  a  little  'nip'  of  'Frumeiiti;' 
but  there  was  '  nary  drop '  in  the  canteen,  for  a  bullet  had 
pierced  it  and  let  the  whisky  all  out." 

We  reached  our  old  camp  back  of  the  intrenchments 
late  in  the  afternoon,  where  Walker  and  Wightmaii  had 
been  taken,  together  with  some  other  wounded  men  of  the 
regiment.  Wightman  was  found  to  be  insensible  and  dying. 
Adjutant  Walker  was  suffering  greatly  with  a  wound  in  the 
abdomen,  the  ball  having  penetrated  the  bowels.  He  was 
quite  anxious  about  his  condition,  and  wished  to  be  told  if 
he  could  live.  When  told  that  it  was  impossible,  he  merely 
said,  "It  is  well!"  which  were  the  last  words  he  spoke 
to  Doctor  Clark.  He  died  two  hours  subsequently.  Lieu 
tenant  Kingsbury's  wound  in  the  arm  was  of  such  a  nature 
as  to  require  amputation.  Major  Lintoii's  wound  through 
the  lung  was  at  first  considered  mortal,  but  happily  he  made 
a  good  recovery  in  general  hospital.  Our  wounded  were  sent 
as  soon  as  possible  to  Bermuda  Hundred  and  there  placed 
on  transports  and  taken  to  Fort  Monroe. 


CHAPTEE  XIV. 


Butler's  Force — Grant  Calls  for  the  Eighteenth  and  Part  of  the  Tenth 
Corps— Butler  "Bottled  Up" — All  Quiet — Recapture  of  Rifle-Pits, 
May  20th,  or  Battle  of  Wier  Bottoms  Church — Short  but  Brilliant 
— Colonel  Howell's  Official  Report  of  it — Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann 
Wounded — Loss  to  the  Regiment  and  Brigade — General  Mann's 
Account  of  it — Howell  Shows  How  to  Draw  the  Enemy's  Fire — Dog 
Tents — The  Camp — Battery  No.  6— Lieutenant  Burrill  and  Amos 
Reese  Wounded — Jacob  Franks  Drowned — Comparative  Quiet — The 
Second  of  June — The  "Rebs"  Get  a  Roasting — Lieutenant  Fellows 
Killed— Lieutenant  Sweetser  Wounded— A  Rebel  Colonel  in  Our 
Hands — General  Alfred  H.  Terry. 


ENEEAL  BUTLEE'S  force  numbered  some  twenty-six 
thousand  men  when  it  was  again  behind  the  intrench- 
ments,  and  it  was  said  that  he  proposed  to  cross  the  Appo- 
mattox  river  and  advance  on  Petersburg ;  but  before  his  plans 
could  be  put  into  execution  General  Grant  ordered  the 
Eighteenth  Army  Corps  and  a  portion  of  the  Tenth  Army 
Corps  to  reinforce  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  at  Cold  Harbor. 
This  was  a  disappointing  blow  to  Butler  at  this  time,  depriv 
ing  him  of  the  means  of  making  any  move  whatever,— 
"bottling  him  up,"  as  he  expressed  it  in  a  letter  to  General 
Grant.  General  Butler  was  an  ambitious  man  as  well  as  an 
able  one,  and  he  may  have  been  a  great  military  genius,  but 
the  results  of  the  battle  of  May  16th  did  not  prove  it,  and 
failed  to  satisfy  General  Grant. 

The  regiment  was  permitted  to  remain  quiet  in  camp, 
taking  a  rest  that  was  so  much  needed,  until  the  afternoon 
of  the  20th,  when  they  were  ordered  out  for  the  purpose  of 
cooperating  with  the  balance  of  the  brigade  in  the  recapture 

191 


192  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  a  line  of  rifle-pits  which  the  enemy  had  wrested  from  our 
troops  a  few  hours  previously.  The  preceding  attack  had 
been  made  during  the  night  by  the  rebels  and  was  chiefly 
directed  against  the  line  held  by  the  brigade  under  command 
of  General  Ames.  For  the  space  of  half  an  hour  the  can 
nonading  was  terrific,  and  the  volleys  of  musketry  were 
incessant.  Twice  the  enemy  attempted  to  break  through  the 
lines  and  came  forward  with  a  rush — screaming  and  howling 
like  a  pack  of  hungry  wolves,  but  each  time  they  were  hurled 
back  with  fearful  slaughter  and  only  succeeded  in  occupying 
the  first  line  of  rifle-pits,  which  our  brigade  was  ordered  to 
recapture.  The  brigade  was  under  the  temporary  command 
of  Colonel  Joshua  B.  Howell,  and  we  cannot  do  better  than 
give  Colonel  Howell's  report  of  this  engagement,  which  gives 
all  the  particulars  of  the  fight  with  the  exception  that  it  fails 
to  mention  the  fact  that  when  the  charge  was  made  the  Thir 
ty-Ninth  succeeded  in  occupying  their  part  of  the  line,  while 
the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio,  which  charged  with  them,  found 
their  work  too  hot  and  fell  back,  which  necessitated  the  fall 
ing  back  of  the  Thirty-Ninth. 

Both  regiments  soon  re-formed  and  again  advanced, 
carrying  everything  before  them  until  the  line  of  pits  was 
occupied — the  "  rebs "  slinking  back  to  the  cover  of  the 
woods,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  behind  them. 

COLONEL    HOWELL'S    OFFICIAL    REPORT. 

HEADQUABTERS  FIBST  BRIGADE, 
FIBST  DIVISION  TENTH  ABMY  COBPS. 

May  21st,  1864. 
Captain  Adrian  Terry,  Asst.  Adft.  General. 

Captain: — I  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  report  to  you  for  the 
information  of  the  Brigadier-General  commanding  the  Division,  the  opera 
tions  and  result  of  the  fight  of  yesterday  by  the  troops  under  my 
command. 

At  two  o'clock  P.M.  yesterday,  I  received  the  order  from  Brigadier- 
General  Terry,  commanding  the  Division,  to  take  with  me  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  and  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  two  regiments  of  my 
Brigade — the  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  being  already  there  at 


COLONEL   HOWELLS    OFFICIAL  REPORT.  193 

the  front  and  under  fire — and  the  Sixth  Connecticut  Volunteers,  and 
proceed  to  the  front,  assume  command  of  all  the  troops  already  there,  and 
retake  the  ground  and  position  which  had  been  lost  in  the  morning,  aud 
recapture  the  rifle-pits,  and  re-establish  the  line  and  hold  it.  It  was 
suggested  to  me  by  General  Terry,  that  I  should  go  out  in  advance  of  my 
brigade  to  the  picket  line  and  see  the  state  of  things  existing,  then  the 
nature  of  the  ground,  etc.  I  went  out  at  once,  and  the  wisdom  and 
propriety  of  the  General's  direction  struck  me  as  soon  as  I  came  on  the 
ground.  I  found  the  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  in  very 
imminent  peril  of  being  overwhelmed  by  the  superior  fo^ce  of  the  enemy. 
It  was  boldly  sustaining  itself.  The  Lieutenant-Colonel  (Campbell)  com 
manding  that  regiment  has  since  told  me  that  ten  minutes  later  and  my 
old  regiment  would  have  been  crushed. 

The  Sixth  Connecticut  Volunteers  had  been  ordered  out  before  I  left 
the  intrenchments — I  passed  them  on  my  way  out.  That  regiment  came 
promptly  and  boldly  up  under  its  brave  and  gallant  leader,  Major  Kline. 
I  formed  it  in  line  of  battle,  threw  it  rapidly  forward.  It  was  succeeded 
by  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  (noble  and  brave  regiment — 
officers  and  men);  they  came  up  on  the  double-quick.  I  threw  that 
regiment  forward,  also  the  Thirty -Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers;  they  came  up 
bravely  on  the  double-quick  and  were  formed  in  the  general  line  of  battle 
on  the  run.  These  three  regiments  went  forward  with  cheers,  directing 
their  fire  rapidly,  steadily  and  with  low  aim.  I  never  saw  troops  behave 
better;  the  fire  of  the  enemy  was  very  rapid  and  very  heavy,  but  my  brave 
boys  dashed  forward  gallantly.  We  drove  the  enemy,  and  soon  made  a 
connected  line  of  battle  with  the  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  and  with  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty- 
Second  New  York  Volunteers,  Colonel  Curtis  commanding. 

I  communicated  the  fact  to  General  Terry  by  Captain  Hooker,  my 
acting  Assistant-Adjutant-General,  that  my  troops  were  all  engaged.  I 
received  an  order  from  General  Terry  directing  me  to  swing  my  right 
towards  the  left  and  recapture  the  rifle-pits  and  hold  them.  That  order 
was  promptly  obeyed  and  carried  into  successful  execution.  We  drove  the 
enemy  like  the  wind,  captured  and  re-occupied  the  rifle  pits  and  held  them 
firmly.  Directly  after  taking  the  rifle-pits,  Brigadier-General  Walker  of 
the  rebel  force  dashed  out  on  the  road  in  front  of  the  rifle-pits  and  was 
wounded  and  immediately  captured  by  Company  C  of  the  Sixty-Seventh 
Ohio  Volunteers  and  sent  in  as  a  prisoner. 

It  was  a  brave  and  gallant  fight  by  all  the  brave  and  gallant  officers 
and  men  who  constituted  my  command,  and  engaged  in  it.  I  never  saw 
officers  and  men  behave  better.  Their  promptness,  zeal,  dashing  and 
daring  courage  was  beautiful— their  fire  steady  and  deadly  to  the  enemy. 

I  beg  leave  respectfully  to  recapitulate  the  names  of  these  regi 
ments,  for  I  love  to  repeat  them  and  honor  them.  The  Sixth  Connecticut 
Volunteers,  Major  Kline  commanding,  temporarily  assigned  to  me;  the 
13 


194  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Eighty  -  Fifth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Lieutenant  -  Colonel  Campbell 
commanding;  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  Colonel  Voris  command 
ing;  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann,  com 
manding. 

I  regret  to  have  it  to  say  that  the  brave  and  valuable  officer, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann,  was  badly  wounded  in  the  leg  in  the  action.  It 
is  an  honorable  mark  of  distinction,  and  was  gallantly  won  by  him.  I  am 
glad  to  say  he  is  now  doing  very  well.  There  were  two  brave  officers  of 
the  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania  wounded  also. 

You  can  form  an  idea  of  the  severity  of  the  fire  through  which  my 
command  dashed  and  drove  the  enemy,  when  I  say  to  you  that  in  about 
thirty  minutes  I  lost  one  hundred  and  forty-nine  men,  killed  and  wounded. 
The  casualties  of  the  fight  have  already  been  reported  to  you.  They 
amount  to  some  three  hundred  killed  and  wounded;  none  missing.  The 
enemy's  loss  we  now  know  to  be  eight  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded. 

I  beg  leave  to  speak  in  the  highest  terms  of  praise  of  the  valuable 
services  rendered  me  by  the  officers  of  my  staff  in  that  action— Captain 
Hooker,  my  acting  Assistant-Adjutant-General,  Captain  Dawson,  Brigade 
Inspector,  and  Lieutenant  McGregor  my  Aid-de-camp.  Their  prompt 
ness,  activity  and  efficiency  are  deserving  of  the  highest  praise. 

In  this  connection,  Captain,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  valuable 
services  of  my  Medical  Director,  Charles  M.  Clark,  Surgeon  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers.  His  zeal,  energy,  courage  and  skill  are  deserv 
ing  of  the  highest  praise.  His  thorough  knowledge  of  his  profession  and 
his  skill  in  the  practice  of  it,  secures  to  all  the  wounded  the  greatest  care 
and  attention  and  has  saved  many  a  limb  from  the  amputating  knife. 

I  am  grateful  to  know  that  my  brave  command  and  myself  received 
the  commendations  of  our  gallant  and  distinguished  leaders,  Major- 
General  Gilmore  and  Brigadier-General  Terry. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Captain,  with  great  respect, 

Your  Obed't  Servant, 

JOSHUA  B.  HOWELL, 
Col.  Comd'g  1st  Brigade  1st  Div.  10th  Army  Corps. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  was  wounded  in  the  early  part 
of  the  engagement  by  a  musket  ball  in  the  lower  third  of  the 
left  leg.  The  ball  passed  completely  through  the  large  bone 
(tibia)  of  the  leg,  lodging  beneath  the  skin;  and  the  curious 
circumstance  in  the  case  was,  that  the  bone  was  not  fractured 
— merely  a  hole  punched  through  it.  After  his  wound  was 
dressed  he  was  sheltered  for  the  night  in  a  corn-crib  near 
by,  and  the  next  morning  was  sent  on  a  stretcher  with  a 


GEN.  MANN'S  ACCOUNT   OF   THE  BATTLE.  195 

detail  of  six  men  to  the  hospital  boat  at  the  landing,  and 
taken  to  Chesapeake  hospital  at  Fort  Monroe. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  regiment  in  this  engagement 
amounted  to  seventy  officers  and  men,  killed  and  wounded; 
no  missing ;  and  the  loss  to  the  brigade  was  three  hundred. 

The  following  is  General  Mann's  account  of  this  battle: 

After  the  repulse  the  Army  of  the  James  had  met  with  on  the  16th  of 
May  at  Drury's  Bluff,  there  had  been  more  or  less  severe  fighting  almost 
daily,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  20th,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  the  enemy 
seemed  determined  to  crowd  our  forces  as  near  to  the  James  river  as  was 
possible.  Soon  after  two  o'clock  P.M.,  a  vigorous  charge  was  made  by  a 
Confederate  division,  led  by  General  Walker  of  South  Carolina,  on  a  brigade 
of  General  Terry's  division,  under  command  of  Brigadier-General  Ames. 
The  enemy  were  driven  back  after  a  stubborn  resistance  and  gained  an 
eminence  of  advantage  to  them  and  soon  began  to  throw  up  earthworks. 

An  hour  later  General  Terry  rode  to  our  camp,  and  calling  together 
the  brigade  and  regimental  commanders,  spread  out  a  chart  of  the  field  to 
be  re-taken,  and  said  he  "  expected  the  First  Brigade  to  do  the  work  with 
neatness  and  dispatch." 

The  brigade,  under  the  command  of  the  brave  and  venerable  Colonel 
Howell,  moved  out  with  promptness  to  its  bloody  task.  Less  than  two 
miles  from  camp  they  reached  the  contested  ground  and  deployed  into  line 
to  the  left  of  the  main  road,  cheered  by  the  roar  of  artillery  whose  shot  and 
shell  soon  began  their  deadly  work,  and  the  hiss  of  smaller  missiles  whose 
mission  was  equally  fatal.  The  Thirty-Ninth  was  on  the  extreme  right,  and 
like  the  other  regiments,  was  soon  almost  lost  to  view  in  the  dense  under 
growth  which  all  this  time  had  veiled  the  enemy  from  us,  although  we  were 
constantly  receiving  their  metallic  and  murderous  compliments.  The 
Thirty-Ninth  was  making  its  way  through  the  thick  chapparal,  firing,  in 
the  meantime,  like  the  veterans  they  were,  when  an  officer  rode  up  to  me 
and  said: 

"  For  God's  sake,  cease  firing!  Yon  are  killing  the  men  of  a  New  York 
regiment  in  front  of  you.  Cease!  Cease!!" 

"Are  you  sure  of  that?  "    I  inquired. 

"Certainly  I  am;  the  rebels  have  fallen  back  some  time  ago." 

I  then  gave  the  command  to  cease  firing,  ordered  the  acting  adjutant 
to  pass  the  word  down  the  line,  and  requested  my  informant  to  order  the 
New  York  regiment  in  our  front  to  "  cease  firing  "  also. 

A  few  moments  later  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cumminger  of  the  Sixty- 
Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  appeared  on  the  right,  mounted  on  his  old  iron- 
gray  horse,  and  said  to  me,  "Why  are  you  not  fighting?"  The  reason  was 
given,  when  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cumminger  replied,  "Not  so,  at  all! 


196  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Nothing  but  rebels  in  our  front.  I  have  just  seen  them  there,  and  rode  here 
to  ascertain  why  you  were  not  firing." 

I  was  about  to  order  the  regiment  up  and  forward,  when  I  thought  I 
would  mount  an  old  pine  stump  of  great  size  near  by  and  see  what  I  could 
for  myself.  The  large  stump  proved  a  mere  shell  from  decay,  and  I  had 
scarce  mounted  when  it  collapsed  and  incased  me  in  the  ruins.  The  few  of 
the  regiment  who  saw  the  ridiculous  plight  I  was  in,  rushed  to  my  assist 
ance,  thinking  I  had  been  wounded.  I  saw  nothing,  however,  but  some  of 
the  enemy's  dead  and  wounded  just  in  our  advance,  and  was  satisfied  as  to 
whom  we  were  facing,  and  the  boys  were  soon  on  their  feet  again  and  doing 
splendid  execution,  though  fighting  by  faith  rather  than  by  sight. 

Well  under  way  again,  I  found  myself  to  the  right  and  front  of  the 
regiment,  urging  them  forward  and  hurriedly  sighing  for  the  brave  fellows 
who  were  falling  in  the  ranks,  when  I  received  a  bullet  in  my  left  leg  below 
the  knee-joint  which  barred  me  from  active  field  duty  during  the  continu 
ance  of  the  war.  We  had  been  under  fire  for  about  twenty  minutes — had 
crowded  our  way  over  a  broad  space  of  contested  ground,  but  excepting 
the  dead  and  wounded  over  whom  we  passed  I  did  not  see  a  Confederate 
soldier  in  that  battle. 

Captain  Baker  of  Company  A  now  took  command  and  most  ably  led 
the  regiment  out  of  the  entangling  bushes  into  a  small  open  space.  In  the 
woods,  at  the  further  border  of  this  clearing,  the  "  Johnnies  "  were  plainly 
visible,  some  throwing  up  earthworks  and  others  hastening  their  retreat 
behind  them.  It  was  but  the  work  of  a  few  moments  and  the  brigade  was 
charging  on  the  double-quick  over  the  open  space  upon  the  rebels,  who, 
surprised  at  the  audacity  of  the  assault,  fled  in  confusion  to  the  dense 
woods  beyond.  Our  orders  were  to  capture  and  hold  the  line  of  works, 
hence  there  was  a  halt  here.  Orders  were  issued  to  "  change  front  to  the 
rear"  on  the  works  the  rebels  had  commenced. 

At  this  time,  and  before  skirmishers  had  been  sent  into  the  woods, 
there  appeared  a  Confederate  mounted  officer  issuing  from  a  thick  growth 
of  young  pines.  He  saw  that  he  was  covered  by  a  regiment  of  Union 
guns,  and  he  subsequently  told  me  at  Chesapeake  hospital,  that  his  first 
impulse  was  to  surrender,  so  complete  was  his  surprise;  then  he  thought 
that  by  means  of  a  little  strategy  he  might  escape.  He  would  personate  a 
Union  officer.  So  raising  his  hand  he  shouts: 

"  Hold  your  position  firmly,  boys,  and  I  will  ride  back  for  reinforce 
ments  and  we  will  drive  these  rebels  to  h — ! " 

Here  the  fine  charger  he  bestrode  presented  a  broadside  to  a  score 
of  hungry  muskets  in  the  hands  of  men  whose  keen  and  experienced  eyes 
had  discerned  the  ruse,  and  the  next  moment  the  rider  and  horse  lay  bleed 
ing  at  our  feet.  The  horse  was  dead,  the  receptacle  of  ammunition  enough 
to  make  a  "  brevet  "  arsenal.  The  gallant  rider  was  General  "  Live  Oaks  " 
Walker  of  South  Carolina,  whose  division  had  been  making  the  day  lively 
from  the  time  of  their  arrival  from  Charleston  early  that  morning.  Our 


ANECDOTE    OF  COL.  HO  WELL.  197 

prisoner  was  wounded  in  the  arm,  in  the  right  side,  and  in  the  left  leg  so 
severely  that  amputation  was  necessary,  which  was  performed  that  night 
at  the  headquarters  of  the  corps  commander,  General  Q.  A.  Gilmore,  with 
whom  our  distinguished  prisoner  had  been  a  classmate  at  West  Point. 

It  was  on  this  occasion  that  the  great  kindness  of  heart  and  the 
matchless  courtesy  of  Colonel  Howell  were  very  pleasingly  illustrated. 
The  moment  General  Walker  fell,  Colonel  Howell  bounded  over  the  earth 
works  and  approaching  him  asked,  with  a  preliminary  salute,  if  he  could 
assist  him  in  any  way. 

"  Certainly,"  said  the  prisoner.  "  Take  me  into  your  lines  as  soon  as 
possible;  my  entire  division  will  be  here  in  a  few  moments  and  I  shall  be 
under  a  cross-fire  if  not  removed." 

"Thank  you,  Sir!"  said  Colonel  Howell,  this  time  lifting  his  hat— 
"thank  you,  Sir!  order  them  on  at  once;  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  meet  your 
entire  division." 

General  Walker  was  taken  to  the  rear,  but  his  entire  division  failed  to 
make  their  appearance. 

It  may  be  interesting  to  comrades  to  know  what  Thomas  P.  Kettell, 
a  historian  of  some  note  if  not  of  accuracy,  says  of  this  engagement  in  his 
history  of  the  "  Great  Rebellion  "  published  in  1865.  He  says: 

"  In  an  attempt  to  re-take  the  rifle-pits,  the  Ninety-Seventh  Penn 
sylvania  Volunteers  [it  should  be  the  Eighty-Fifth]  and  the  Thirteenth 
Illinois  [should  read  ,the  Thirty-Ninth]  regiment  were  ordered  to  move 
through  the  skirt  of  the  woods  to  co-operate  with  a  movement  made  by 
another  portion  of  General  Gilmore's  forces.  Misunderstanding  the  order, 
the  troops  were  moved  by  the  flank  along  the  skirt  of  the  woods.  March 
ing  steadily  forward  they  came  unexpectedly  upon  a  battery,  which  opened 
a  murderous  cross-fire,  literally  mowing  them  down.  It  appeared  to  the 
looker-on  as  though  the  entire  force  melted  away  before  this  terrific  rain 
of  grape-shot  and  canister.  The  loss  is  estimated  at  three  hundred.  The 
rebel  General  Walker  was  dangerously  wounded,  and  captured." 

If  this  author  had  watched  the  course  and  conquests  of  these  two 
regiments  until  they  stood  victors  at  Appomattox,  he  would  have  con 
cluded  that  the  "  melting  away "  process  had  not  been  very  effective. 
They  fought  in  the  same  brigade  on  the  20th  of  May,  1864,  and  did  not 
march  under  any  cross-fire  of  the  enemy. 

In  connection  with  this  engagement  we  relate  a  little 
anecdote  in  which  the  late  Colonel  Howell,  who  commanded 
the  brigade  at  this  time,  was  the  hero. 

The  day  following  the  fight  Colonel  Howell,  who  was 
"officer  of  the  day,"  made  the  "grand  rounds,"  and  at  a 
particular  point  of  the  line  our  men  were  greatly  annoyed  by 
a  sharpshooter,  who  would  pick  off,  from  his  ambush,  any 


198 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


man  who  dared  to  show  his  head.  Various  attempts  had 
been  made  to  finish  the  career  of  this  rascal,  who  had  suc 
ceeded  in  wounding  several,  and  at  last  the  gallant  old  Colonel 
came  to  the  rescue,  and  hit  upon  the  following  expedient, 
which  was  ingenious  though  dangerous. 

"  Boys,"  said  he,  coolly,  "  you  look  out  where  the  smoke 


THE  FIELD  HOSPITAL,. 

comes  from;  for  as  soon  as  the  traitor  sees  me  he  will  let 
fly;"  and  getting  deliberately  up  from  the  trenches  where 
he  had  been  watching  operations,  the  Colonel  walked  a  few 
paces  and  calmly  seated  himself  on  a  stump.  Scarcely  had 
he  done  so,  when  bang!  went  a  rifle,  and  a  minie  ball  flew 
past  in  too  close  proximity  to  be  agreeable ;  but  ere  the  smoke 
had  cleared  away  half  a  dozen  bullets  had  sped  on  their  way 


BATTERY  NUMBER   SIX.  199 

to  the  spot  where  the  rebel  lay,  and  in  a  few  moments  after, 
the  body  of  a  "Johnny,"  reeking  with  gore,  was  dragged 
from  the  spot  with  no  less  than  three  bullets  through  it. 

"There!"  said  the  Colonel,  "  did  I  not  tell  you  that  I 
could  draw  his  fire? '' 

Colonel  Howell  was  brave,  even  to  desperation.  He 
would  on  all  occasions  expose  himself  at  the  front,  and  seem 
ingly  courted  death  at  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  But  he  bore 
a  charmed  life,  and  bullets  were  not  yet  made  to  kill  him.  It 
was  ordained  that  he  should  meet  death  in  a  sadder  and  less 
heroic  form,  the  circumstances  of  which  will  be  detailed 
further  on,  when  in  this  history  we  reach  the  place,  and 
the  time. 

The  regiment  was  now  lying  close  to  a  large  iiitrench- 
ment  under  shelter  tents,  or  as  we  termed  them  "button  hole" 
tents,  from  the  fact  that  four  men  each  carried  a  piece  that 
when  brought  together  was  pitched  and  buttoned  together. 
It  was  scarcely  large  enough  for  four  men.  yet  was  made  to 
answer  the  purpose. 

The  camp  was  situated  on  rolling  ground,  sparsely  tim 
bered,  with  good  running  water  near  by.  The  soil  was  a 
mixture  of  clay  and  sand,  which,  when  sun-baked,  was  hard 
and  unyielding,  and  the  yellow  glazed  surface  could  be  kept 
clean  with  a  broom ;  but  let  rain  come,  and  the  hard  flooring 
of  camp  was  soon  converted  into  the  vilest  of  mud. 

On  the  left,  some  three  hundred  yards  distant  from  the 
hitrenchmeiits,  was  a  battery  called  No.  Six,  which  was  garri 
soned  weekly  by  details  from  the  different  regiments,  and 
the  men  there  immured  suffered  great  hardships,  the  least  of 
which  was  the  want  of  water.  Diagonally  at  the  right  was 
another  fort  or  battery,  some  six  hundred  yards  distant,  and 
armed  "  at  all  angles."  Not  a  day  passed  without  more  or 
less  skirmish  firing,  and  we  lost  several  men  from  the  con 
stant  fusilade  kept  up  from  the  enemy.  The  batteries  would 


200  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

at  times  open   up,  and  the  dodging  of  shells  was  made  a 
pastime  both  day  and  night. 

May  23rd,  Private  Amos  Keese,  Company  H,  was 
wounded  through  the  thigh  by  a  stray  ball  from  the  enemy 
while  asleep  in  his  quarters  at  dead  of  night,  and  in  the  early 
morning  of  the  25th  Lieutenant  James  Bun-ill,  while  asleep, 
was  wounded  by  a  stray  bullet  which  passed  through  the 
neck.  The  ball  entered  just  above  the  apex  of  the  right 
scapula,  passing  out  just  anterior  to  the  sterno-mastoid 
muscle,  three  inches  above  the  collar  bone.  The  same  ball 
struck  Private  John  Scanlaii  of  Company  A  in  the  breast, 
but  did  not  penetrate  the  skin  by  reason  of  its  striking  a 
button ;  the  ball  distinctly  bearing  the  impress  of  the  eagle, 
when  picked  up. 

Jacob  C.  Franks,  Private  of  Company  B,  was  drowned 
on  the  25th  while  swimming  in  the  James  river. 

From  the  20th  of  May  to  the  2d  of  June  there  was 
comparative  quiet  along  our  part  of  the  line.  We  had  been 
constantly  annoyed  by  the  desultory  firing  the  "  rebs  "  gave 
us  both  day  and  night,  which  had  occasioned  the  loss  of 
some  five  or  six  men  from  the  regiment.  The  enemy  had 
put  forth  every  conceivable  effort  to  dislodge  us,  but  had 
failed  each  and  every  time. 

On  the  2d  day  of  June,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing,  they  made  their  last  and  grandest  effort.  Beauregard 
opened  lively  with  his  heavy  artillery  and  pushed  his  troops 
forward  to  our  lines.  This  action  was  undoubtedly  precipi 
tated  by  the  knowledge  of  the  departure  of  General  Smith's 
corps  and  two  of  General  Gilmore's  divisions,  and  the  enemy 
naturally  inferred  that  we  had  not  troops  sufficient  to  hold 
the  fortifications  in  our  front.  But  alas!  for  the  "rebs;" 
they  did  not  know  that  the  First  Division  of  the  Tenth 
Corps,  Brigadier-General  Alfred  H.  Terry  commanding, 
was  holding  the  right  of  our  lines,  and  that  the  center  and 
left  were  equally  well  guarded,  although  not  so  easily  assail- 


FELLOWS  KILLED— SWEETSER    WOUNDED.  201 

able.  With  their  accustomed  sagacity  they  chose  the  most 
exposed  and  open  part  of  our  position  as  the  point  to  be 
attacked.  The  time  was  also  well  selected — when  night 
shrouded  everything  in  impenetrable  gloom. 

After  the  heavy  fire  of  the  batteries,  which  was  mainly 
directed  on  our  center  for  the  space  of  an  hour  and  promptly 
replied  to  by  our  own,  there  was  a  cessation  on  both  sides 
and  quiet  was  restored  almost  as  suddenly  as  it  had  been 
broken. 

Soon  we  perceived  the  rush  of  a  large  body  of  rebels 
who  had  been  massed  and  who  came  yelling  like  demons  on 
our  thin  line  of  pickets.  They  took  our  line  in  reverse  and 
broke  it  in  two  places,  and  forming  in  the  rear  took  a  large 
number  of  our  men  prisoners,  chiefly  belonging  to  the  Third 
New  Hampshire  and  Sixth  Connecticut  regiments.  The 
enemy  were  gallantly  met  by  our  boys,  who  after  a  pro 
tracted  struggle  sent  them  back  with  thinned  ranks  and  a 
higher  opinion  of  what  the  veterans  from  Morris  Island 
could  achieve. 

During  this  engagement  Second  Lieutenant  A.  W. 
Fellows,  Company  I,  was  killed  by  a  bullet  passing  through 
his  brain.  Lieutenant  Al.  C.  Sweetser  of  Company  B  was 
wounded  through  both  legs.  The  wound  of  the  left  leg  was 
not  serious,  the  ball  making  merely  a  flesh  wound.  The 
right  limb  fared  worse,  the  bullet  passing  through  the  knee- 
joint  and  so  disrupting  the  articulation  that  amputation  at 
the  lower  third  of  thigh  became  necessary. 

We  shall  never  forget  the  courage  and  fortitude  of 
Lieutenant  Sweetser  while  on  the  operating-table,  or  while 
suffering  for  long  months  at  Chesapeake  hospital  by  reason 
of  hospital  gangrene  and  the  subsequent  operations  that 
become  necesssary  from  the  necrosis  of  bone.  He  came 
back  to  the  field  hospital  on  a  stretcher,  calmly  smoking  a 
cigar,  and  after  an  examination,  and  when  told  that  he  must 
sacrifice  a  limb,  he  said,  "Well,  'Doc,'  just  go  to  work,  and 


202  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

do  the  very  best  you  can  for  me."  Lieutenant  Sweetser  was 
a  brave  and  gallant  officer. 

The  other  losses  to  the  regiment  amounted  to  thirty- 
three  enlisted  men  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  The 
rebel  loss  was  much  heavier  than  our  own,  and  must  have 
been,  when  we  consider  with  what  desperation  they  faced 
our  fire. 

Colonel  Daiitzier  of  the  Twenty-Second  South  Carolina 
regiment,  which  attacked  our  left,  was  left  wounded  in  our 
hands,  and  on  the  third  of  June  he  was  taken  within  the 
rebel  lines  under  a  flag  of  truce.  Our  division  captured 
some  eighty  prisoners. 

General  Terry,  who  commanded  our  division  of  the 
Tenth  Army  Corps,  was  always  spoken  of  as  a  cool  and  able 
soldier  as  well  as  a  polished  and  courteous  gentleman,  and 
he  is  to  this  day  respected  by  each  and  every  member  of  the 
regiment  as  well  as  by  the  whole  command  which  he  so 
ably  and  surely  conducted.  He  has  won  his  present  rank, 
Major-General  U.  S.  A.,  by  hard  service  in  the  field,  and  it 
is  our  wish  that  he  may  long  live  to  wear  the  laurels  that 
have  been  bestowed  on  so  generous  and  brave  a  soldier  by 
the  grateful  nation.1  His  command  was  made  up  of  veteran 
soldiers  who  had  become  hardened  to  the  vicissitudes  of 
camp  and  field,  and  presented  the  bronzed  and  "brawny" 
look  of  experienced  men.  They  were  as  familiar  with 
battle-fields  as  with  their  muskets,  and  could  always  be 
relied  upon  in  any  emergency. 

1  By  reason  of  failing  health  General  Terry  has  been  placed  on  the 
retired  list  before  the  usual  time. 


ALFRED     H.  TERRY,   MAJOR-GENERAL  U.   S.  A. 
From    Photograph  taken   in    1885. 


CHAPTEK  XV. 


Some  Leisure— Captain  Snowden  Wounded— Hot  Weather— The  16th  of 
June— Grant's  Army  Crosses  the  James— The  Thirty-Ninth  Encounter 
Pickett's  Division— Captain  Rudd  Wounded— The  17th  of  June- 
Take  a  Lot  of  Prisoners— General  Gilmore  Relieved— Return  to  Old 
Camp— President  Lincoln  Reviews  the  Army  of  the  James— Our 
Wounded  at  Fort  Monroe— How  Treated— Hospital  Chaplains:  "  No 
Good  "—Chaplain  McReading— An  Incident— The  13th  of  August- 
Plimpton's  Account  of  the  Battle  of  Deep  Run— Williams,  Lemon 
and  Franc  Killed— Baker  and  Warner  Lose  their  Legs— The  Casual 
ties — Poem. 


HHEBE  was  comparatively  little  to  do  from  this  time  until 
June    14th,  and  the  men  were    free    to   pursue   their 
pleasures  in   camp  with  "turn  about"  for  picket   duty,  and 
appearance  at  "  dress  parade  "  in  the  evening. 

Occasionally  there  would  be  a  man  wounded  from  the 
almost  continuous  fire  of  sharpshooters  in  our  front.  We 
remember  that  Captain  George  O.  Snowden  of  Company  D 
was  wounded,  June  3d,  through  the  right  thigh,  in  this  man 
ner,  and  on  June  12th  there  were  other  casualties.  But 
there  was,  otherwise,  little  to  do  under  the  little  huts  of  can 
vas  that  sheltered  the  men  on  the  hard-baked  yellow  clay 
camp  back  of  the  intrenchments. 

The  thermometer  ranged  from  103°  to  105°  in  the 
shade,  and  evergreen  boughs  and  brush  were  plentifully 
brought  into  use  in  shielding  the  men  from  the  glaring  rays 
of  a  hot  sun.  Occasionally  the  General  would  come  to  inspect, 
or  the  regimental  band  would  come  oat  and  enliven  the 
scene  with  lively  music ;  otherwise  the  men  would  seem  to 
hibernate,  except  when  running  to  the  sutler's  for  sweet- 


204  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

meats,  or  a  pack   of   cards  for  a  little  game  of  "  poker,"  or 
"  seven-up." 

On  the  16th  of  June  the  men  were  called  on  for  a  march 
of  several  miles  out  011  the  Richmond  pike,  together  with  the 
balance  of  the  brigade  and  division.     The  reason  for    this 
move  was  that  we  had  found  the  enemy  in  our  front  evacu 
ating  their  line,  which  as  we  moved   forwards  proved  only 
too  true.      Our  line  of  march  was  directly  through  their  late 
position,  and  we  followed  on  through  the  timber  and  clear 
ings  until  we  reached  Wier  Bottom  church,  where  we  met 
the  "rebs"  in  large  force.     In  fact,  the  whole  of  Lee's  army 
was  in  motion  to  oppose  General  Grant,  who  visited  us  011 
the  15th,  and  whose  army,  after  battling   in  the  Wilderness 
for  days,  had  crossed  the  James  river  and  was  advancing  on 
Petersburg.     The  Eighteenth  Corps  and  that  portion  which 
had  gone  to  reinforce  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  returned 
and  was  again  behind  the  intrenchments  in  Butler's  army. 
The  principal  force  that  the  Thirty-Ninth  met  with  on  this 
day  was   Pickett's  division,  and   a  lively  time  was  had  with 
them  for  some  hours.     It  was  said  that  Generals  Lee,  Beau- 
regard  and  Longstreet  were  present  at  the  front,  witnesses 
of  the  engagement.      The  regiment  was  thrown  out  as  skir 
mishers,  and  suffered  considerably.      Captain  Oscar  F.  Eudd, 
Company  G,  was  mortally  wounded,  and  twenty  enlisted  men 
were  killed  and  wounded.      Captain  Eudd  was  brought  back 
to  Dr.  Clark  who  had  followed  his  regiment  to  the  front  that 
morning,  shot  through  both  shoulders,  the  ball,  in  its  pas 
sage,    injuring    the    spinal    cord.       He    was  given   a  hasty 
examination  and  dressing  and  sent  to  the  rear,  as  the  shells 
and  bullets  were  flying  around   thickly.       At  nightfall,  two 
successive  assaults  were  made  by  the  enemy  and  were  hand 
somely  repulsed  each  time  with  great  loss  on  both  sides. 

The  morning  hours  were  very  sultry  and  oppressive, 
and  when  the  enemy  was  met  the  fighting  was  fierce  and 
most  sanguinary  for  several  hours. 


GEN.    GILMORE  RELIEVED.  205 

''The  combat  opened,  ominous  and  dire; 
Fast  to  the  front  the  trained  battalions  poured, 
While  batteries  belched  their  streams  of  murderous  fire; 
While  bayonets  flashed,  while  sword  met  sword; 
While  bombs  were  bursting  and  while  cannon  roared ; 
While  the  old  soldiers,  veterans  trained  and  tried, 
Broke  in  confusion,  never  to  be  restored; 
Or  manfully  pressed  forward  side  by  side, 
Till,  bleeding,  torn,  they  sank  to  earth,  and  sinking,  died." 

On  the  morning  of  the  17th  the  rebels  again  assaulted 
our  picket  line  and  were  again  repulsed  and  driven  back, 
the  regiment  taking  twenty-six  prisoners.  The  whole  num 
ber  of  prisoners  taken  by  the  Thirty-Ninth  during  the  two- 
days'  fight  was  ninety-six.-  At  four  o'clock  P.M.  the  same 
day  the  enemy  opened  with  a  heavy  artillery  fire  followed  by 
another  assault  which  resulted  most  disastrously  to  them, 
and  where  they  lost  many  men  taken  prisoners.  The  Sixth 
Army  Corps  came  to  our  relief  at  this  juncture,  and  Terry's 
division,  thus  strengthened,  felt  that  it  could  withstand  Lee, 
Beauregard,  and  the  d — 1,  if  necessary. 

General  Gilmore  at  this  time  was  relieved  from  the 
command  of  the  Tenth  Army  Corps,  and  was  succeeded  by 
General  Brooks.  It  was  also  rumored  through  camp  that 
Grant  had  taken  Petersburg,  and  that  General  Hunter  had 
possession  of  Lynchburg,  Va. ;  but  these  rumors  proved  to 
be  silly  canards. 

We  returned  to  our  old  camp  on  the  18th  of  June,  and 
were  glad  to  receive  the  order,  for  we  had  110  food  except 
what  could  be  gathered  from  the  surrounding  country,  and 
that  had  been  pretty  thoroughly  gleaned  by  the  Confed 
erates. 

On  June  22d  President  Lincoln,  accompanied  by  Gen 
eral  Butler  and  a  brilliant  staff,  rode  along  our  line  of 
intrenchments  and  was  greeted  with  hearty  cheers. 

Nothing  of  any  particular  interest  took  place  after  the 
fight  of  the  16th  of  June  until  August  13th,  there  being  a 


206  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

great  lull  in  military  operations  along  our  line.  Some  of  the 
Tenth  Corps  had  been  removed  to  join  the  army  in  front  of 
Petersburg.  On  July  29th  we  heard  of  the  great  assault  and 
the  mine  explosion  at  Fort  Harrison  in  the  front  of  Peters 
burg, — another  great  blunder  of  the  war,  accompanied  by  a 
useless  sacrifice  of  life.  General  Brooks,  commanding  our 
corps,  was  succeeded  by  Major-General  D.  B.  Birney  on  July 
22d,  and  some  other  changes  were  occurring  which  it  is  not 
necessary  to  mention. 

During  this  period  of  inaction  the  writer  had  permission 
to  proceed  to  Fortress  Monroe  to  look  after  the  wounded  of 
the  regiment  in  that  hospital.  He  found  Colonels  Osborn 
and  Mann  occupying  a  room  together  on  the  second  floor  of 
the  hospital.  They  were  both  doing  well  under  the  care  of 
Assistant  Surgeon  David  G.  Bush,  U.  S.  V.,  but  they  were 
both  still  confined  to  bed  and  suffering  with  the  pain  of  their 
wounds. 

Dr.  Bush  was  much  respected  by  those  who  were  so 
fortunate  as  to  come  under  his  care,  not  only  for  his  profesr 
sional  skill  but  for  his  gentlemanly  demeanor.  The  acquaint 
ance  there  formed  with  the  officers  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  who 
were  under  his  special  care  doubtless  had  some  influence  in 
the  Doctor's  selection  of  Chicago  as  his  future  home,  as  he 
removed  there  soon  after  the  war,  and  the  same  may  perhaps 
be  said  concerning  Dr.  Daniel  B.  Brower,  whom  we  first  met 
with  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  but  who  was  formerly  on  the  medical 
staff  of  Chesapeake  hospital. 

In  this  connection  we  may  mention  another  medical 
gentleman — Dr.  Daniel  T.  Nelson,  now  a  prominent  phy 
sician  of  Chicago,  whom  the  writer  first  met  in  March, 
1864,  when  he  was  an  acting  Assistant  Surgeon,  U.  S.  A.,  and 
had  been  assigned  to  the  flying  hospital  of  the  Twenty-Fourth 
Army  Corps  by  Medical  Director  J.  B.  Morrison.  The  Doctor 
was  with  us  some  months,  and  was  assigned  to  the  duty  of 


VISIT   TO    CHESAPEAKE  HOSPITAL.  207 

keeping  the  hospital  records.     We  found  him  to  be  a  very 
capable  and  pleasant  addition  to  our  staff. 

Captain  O.  F.  Eudd  occupied  a  room  in  the  near  vicinity, 
and  his  wife  was  with  him.  but  the  Captain  was  fast  failing 
and  could  not  possibly  survive  more  than  a  day  or  two. 
Lieutenants  Sweetser  and  Butterfield,  and  the  other  wounded 
officers  of  the  regiment  were  in  the  large  ward  on  the  first 
floor  and  were  not  doing  as  well  as  could  be  desired, 
especially  Lieutenant  Sweetser,  who  had  been  attacked  with 
hospital  gangrene  and  had  undergone  some  painful  opera 
tions  ;  but  he  was  still  happy  and  hopeful,  and  said  that  he 
would  see  us  later  in  the  war,  and  he  did,  for  when  the 
writer  took  charge  of  the  hospital  at  Ferry  Point,  Norfolk, 
Va.,  he  came  over  and  remained  until  he  left  for  home. 

The  hospital  was  in  a  very  bad  condition,  hospital  gan 
grene  being  very  prevalent,  and  it  was  a  most  unfit  place  for 
wounded  men — especially  the  main  hospital  building.  It 
was  under  the  control  of  Assistant  Surgeon  McClellan,  U.  S.  A. 

The  enlisted  men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  who  were  at  this 
place  were  located  in  tents,  and  seemed  to  be  well  cared  for, 
yet  there  were  many  complaints  made  relative  to  the  manner 
of  treatment  and  the  quality  of  rations  that  were  furnished; 
but  this  was  to  be  expected  in  even  the  best  regulated 
hospitals. 

Great  dissatisfaction  was  often  expressed  at  the  conduct 
of  the  chaplains,  and  with  good  reason,  too,  in  many  in 
stances,  for  their  ministrations  often  resulted  in  doing  more 
harm  than  good,  especially  where  they  were  so  persistent 
and  officious  in  looking  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  the 
men  as  to  worry  and  irritate  them.  The  chaplains,  as  a  class, 
were  noble  and  patriotic  men,  and  were  as  zealous  in  caring 
for  the  physical  wants  of  the  wounded  and  dying  as  their 
spiritual,  both  on  the  field  of  battle,  in  hospital,  and  in  camp. 
But  then  there  was  a  large  number  of  clerical  parasites 
clinging  to  the  hospitals  who  were  too  timid  to  take  the  field 


208  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

or  even  accompany  their  regiments.  They  were  Pharisees, 
who  made  it  a  business  to  pray  aloud  in  public  places  that 
they  might  be  seen  and  heard  of  men — they  were  rotten 
at  the  core,  not  caring  half  as  much  for  their  soul's  welfare 
or  "anybody  else's"  as  for  the  dollars  they  received  per 
month  from  "Uncle  Sam." 

One  of  our  boys  made  a  grievous  complaint  to  me 
about  the  religious  counsellor  that  frequented  his  ward. 
He  would  come  half  a  dozen  times  a  day,  scattering  tracts; 
and  sitting  down  on  the  cot  would  tell  him  that  he  was  look 
ing  very  poorly  and  must  prepare  to  die ;  that  if  he  did  not 
repenfc  of  his  sins  he  would  surely  go  to  h-11. 

"Now,"  said  the  boy,  "I  don't  want  any  such  syco 
phant  coming  and  preaching  to  me,  disturbing  the  rest  that 
I  so  much  need — irritating  me  beyond  all  control  by  his 
canting  about  my  sinful  ness  and  telling  me  that  I  must  die 
and  go  to  perdition.  He  is  doing  me  harm  all  the  time!  I 
feel  that  I  shall  get  well  if  I  have  proper  care;  and  if  I 
don't,  I  am  ready  to  go  when  the  time  comes.  It  was  only 
the  other  day  that  one  of  the  sick  men  here  got  so  incensed 
at  him  that  he  threw  a  plate  at  him  and  told  him  to  go  to 

the  d 1,  and  whenever  he  comes  palavering  round  me  I  feel 

like  doing  the  same  thing." 

This  forcing  of  religious  counsel  upon  men  at  such 
times  and  under  such  circumstances  was  most  unwise  and 
reprehensible.  No  good  came  of  it,  but  rather  great  injury 
sometimes. 

The  writer  has  stood  beside  hundreds  of  soldiers  when 
dying  from  disease  or  wounds,  and  he  has  never  yet  seen 
one  manifest  the  least  fear  in  facing  death.  Often  have 
they  expressed  themselves  as  being  willing  and  glad  to  go. 
One  case  is  well  remembered,  that  of  a  young  drummer  boy 
suffering  with  chronic  diarrhoea  and  under  his  care  at  the 
post  hospital  Norfolk,  Ya.,  in  1865.  He  knew  that  he  could 
not  get  well — was  wasted  away  to  a  mere  shadow  which  was 


THE   CHAPLAIN'S  PRAYER   AT    WINCHESTER.  209 

growing  darker  and  darker  for  him  each  clay.  In  visiting 
through  his  ward  one  morning  he  found  him  clothed  and 
sitting  up  beside  his  bed.  Says  he:  "  Doctor,  I  want  to  ask 
you  a  question.  You  know  that  I  cannot  live,  and  I  want 
to  know  how  long  it  will  be  before  I  die." 

"Why,  Johnny,  you  seem  pretty  strong  and  cheerful 
this  morning,  and  you  must  not  go  so  gloomily." 

"  Yes,  I  know,  Doctor,  that  I  feel  a  little  better,  but  it's 
all  owing  to  the  milk-punch  and  the  stimulants.  I  want  to 
know  how  long  you  think  I  can  live.  I  am  getting  tired  of 
living,  for  I  feel  myself  a  nuisance  to  everybody  and  I  want 
to  go.  I  have  got  a  mother  and  sisters  at  home,  and  oh!  I 
should  be  so  glad  to  see  them  and  have  them  here  with  me 
for  a  little  time;  but  I  shall  never  see  them  again  in  this 
world." 

He  was  told  that  it  was  impossible  to  say  how  long  he 
might  live,  but  that  he  would  soon  be  released  from  his 
troubles.  It  was  promised  to  write  to  his  friends.  In  mak 
ing  the  evening  round  through  the  wards  his  bed  was  found 
vacant — he  was  in  the  dead-room. 

While  on  the  subject  of  army  chaplains  it  maybe  proper 
to  mention  a  little  incident  connected  with  our  chaplain,  the 
Rev.  C.  S.  McEeadiiig.  While  we  were  at  Winchester,  Ya., 
in  1862,  Chaplain  Mac,  as  we  termed  him,  was  invited  to 
pray  in  a  Methodist  church  presided  over  by  the  Eev.  Dr. 
Brooke.  It  was  seldom,  during  our  stay  near  Winchester, 
that  public  service  was  held  in  the  churches  on  Sabbath  day, 
for  the  reason,  as  a  soldier  said,  "the  people  were  afraid  to 
show  themselves  in  their  home-made  clothes  ";  and  it  was  a 
fact  that  even  wealthy  families  were  obliged  to  wear  clothing 
of  the  coarsest  description.  The  chaplain,  who  was  invited  to 
occupy  the  pulpit  and  assist  in  the  services,  was  called  upon 
to  make  the  prayer,  and  he  invoked  the  Deity  most  fervently 
for  the  "success  of  the  Union  armies" — "the  speedy  sup 
pression  of  this  wicked  and  causeless  rebellion  " — "  for 


210  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Abraham  Lincoln,  the  President  of  the  United  States," 
and  for  "the  Congress  then  in  session  at  Washington  " —a 
style  of  invocation  that  was  new  to  the  people  of  Winchester. 
He  was  never  again  invited  into  the  pulpit  at  Winchester 
during  our  stay. 

On  the  13th  day  of  August  the  regiment,  then  in  com 
mand  of  Captain  Leroy  A.  Baker,^  the  senior  officer  present, 
was  called  upon  to  move  out  of  camp  to  once  more  face  the 
enemy.  The  movements  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  on  this  day,' 
and  the  fierce  and  sanguinary  battle  that  followed  on  the 
16th  of  August,  are  graphically  described  by  Homer  A. 
Plimpton,  who  took  an  active  part  in  it,  as  follows: 

AN  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  BATTLE  OF  DEEP  RUN,  VA.,  AUGUST 

IGiH,  1864. 

When  we  broke  up  camp  on  the  13th  of  August,  we  concluded, 
from  the  nature  of  the  orders,  that  we  were  to  embark  on  transports  and 
proceed  to  some  point  which,  according  to  various  surmises,  was  sup 
posed  to  be  somewhere  between  Washington  and  Mobile.  When,  however, 
we  reached  the  river  where  we  naturally  expected  to  find  the  transports 
with  steam  up  and  everything  in  readiness  for  our  reception,  we  beheld  not 
the  above,  but  a  long  line  of  pontoons  stretched  across  the  river.  Over 
these  we  went  "  marching  on,"  and  did  not  stop  until  we  found  ourselves 
massed  in  a  piece  of  woods  near  the  enemy's  line  of  advanced  works  not 
far  from  Deep  Run.  When  morning  dawned,  skirmishing  commenced,  and 
it  was  not  long  before  our  brigade  was  in  motion  and  in  readiness  for  a 
charge.  We  charged  the  rebels  and  drove  them  from  their  first  line  to  a 
second,  more  formidable. 

During  the  balance  of  the  day  we  moved  about  from  one  place  to 
another,  and  at  night  went  on  picket.  At  one  o'clock,  however,  we  were 
quietly  withdrawn  and  moved  back  to  the  pontoon  bridge,  crossed  over, 
and  moved  down  the  stream  about  half  a  mile  and  recrossed  on  another 
pontoon,  and  found  ourselves  with  the  Second  Corps,  General  Hancock 
commanding.  Both  corps  commenced  moving  toward  Richmond.  We 
advanced  to  within  about  eight  miles  of  the  city,  when  we  came  in  contact 
with  the  enemy  intrenched.  Our  regiment  supported  a  battery  all  day  and 
the  next  night.  No  general  engagement  took  place  that  day. 

On  the  morning  of  the  16th,  the  day  following,  our  brigade  received 
orders  to  move  to  the  right  of  the  rebel  works  in  support  of  regiments 
thrown  out  as  skirmishers.  We  were  soon  brought  under  fire,  and  were  not 
long  in  ascertaining  that  the  force  before  us  was  by  no  means  small.  We 


DEATH    OF  HARDENBURGH.  211 

found  that  the  enemy  had  been  driven  from  their  rifle-pits,  and  were  now 
inside  their  main  works.  We  soon  moved  forward  over  the  line  of  skir 
mishers  to  within  two  hundred  yards  of  the  rebel  intrenchments,  screened, 
however,  from  view  by  dense  woods.  We  here  received  notice  from  our 
Division  General,  A.  H.  Terry,  that  our  brigade  had  been  selected  to  charge 
those  works.  Between  us  and  "  those  works  "  was  a  strip  of  slashing  about 
one  hundred  yards  wide,  and  it  was  no  easy  matter  to  cross  such  obstacles 
under  a  galling  fire.  We  formed  just  inside  of  the  woods,  out  of  sight, 
but  near  enough  to  the  rebels  for  them  to  hear  our  commands. 

The  brigade  was  formed  in  double  column  on  the  center  at  half  dis 
tance  by  regiments,  the  Thirty-Ninth  being  on  the  extreme  left.  When  all 
was  ready,  the  command  "Forward!"  was  given,  and  we  moved  off  on 
common  time,  with  arms  at  a  "right  shoulder  shift";  but  as  soon  as  we 
reached  the  edge  of  the  slashing  we  received  a  deadly  volley  from  the 
enemy  which  brought  the  guns  down  to  a  "  trail,"  and  our  colors  to  the 
ground.  These  were  immediately  picked  up  by  an  officer  [Lieutenant 
Norman  C.  Warner,  Company  E],  and  away  we  went  with  a  regular  Western 
yell,  on  the  full  jump,  over  logs,  tree-tops  and  stumps  thrown  about  in 
inextricable  confusion. 

The  scene  that  now  presented  itself  to  my  view  I  shall  never  forget — 
whole  divisions  of  the  advancing  column  swept  down  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye.  On  every  hand  could  be  seen  the  dead  and  dying  men— our  own  com 
rades,  who  but  a  short  time  before  were  buoyant  and  hopeful,  with  no 
thought  of  death  to  make  them  sad. 

But  notwithstanding  this  terrible  slaughter,  the  old  Western  brigade 
did  not  stop,  but  made  directly  for  the  rebel  breastworks  bristling  with 
bayonets  and  alive  with  men;  nor  did  the  enemy  give  way,  but  fought  us 
hand-to-hand  as  we  attempted  to  mount  the  works.  Our  colors  were  again 
shot  down,  Lieutenant  WTarner,  who  was  carrying  them,  losing  a  leg. 
Another  officer  snatched  them  up  and  sprang  upon  the  parapets,  followed 
by  scores  of  others,  who  leaped  over  right  among  the  "  Johnnies,"  and  com 
menced  using  the  bayonet  and  clubbed  musket.  Soon  a  break  was  made 
and  then  began  the  capturing  of  prisoners.  After  we  got  over  the  works, 
we  immediately  swung  to  the  left  and  moved  down  the  trenches,  hauling 
out  the  "  graybacks,"  who  begged  lustily  for  mercy.  In  a  short  time  we 
had  possession  of  the  line  and  nearly  eight  hundred  prisoners  and  five 
stands  of  colors. 

A  brave  young  private,  Henry  M.  Hardenburgh,  of  Company  G,  cap 
tured  one  of  the  latter  after  a  hand-to-hand  fight  with  the  color-sergeant 
of  the  Tenth  Alabama,  whom  he  left  dead  on  the  field.  General  Birney, 
our  corps  commander,  to  whom  he  delivered  the  flag,  complimented  him 
very  highly.  Since  coming  here,  while  on  duty  in  the  trenches,  he  was 
mortally  wounded  by  a  piece  of  shell.  A  day  or  two  after  his  death  his 
appointment  as  First  Lieutenant  in  the  Thirty-Sixth  United  States  Col 
ored  Troops  was  received  at  our  headquarters  from  Major-General  Butler, 


212  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

for  gallantry  on  the  field,  but  it  came  too  late.  He  is  silent  in  the  grave, 
all  unmindful  of  earthly  rewards. 

After  getting  possession  of  the  works  spoken  of  before,  the  fighting 
by  no  means  ceased.  The  enemy  was  constantly  receiving  reinforcements, 
and  by  some  means  or  other  succeeded  in  regaining  possession  of  a  portion 
of  the  line  on  our  left,  to  which  another  brigade  had  been  sent.  Having 
gained  this  advantage,  which  uncovered  our  left  flank,  they  soon  rendered 
our  position  untenable,  and  we  were,  per  consequence,  compelled  to  give 
back,  which  we  did  under  a  raking  fire. 

We  remained  on  the  north  side  of  the  James,  skirmishing  and  forti 
fying,  until  the  20th,  on  the  night  of  which  we  returned  to  our  old  camp. 
Our  loss  while  on  the  north  side  was  ninety-seven  men  and  seven  officers 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing.  Three  of  the  seven  officers  are  among  the 
killed. 

The  morning  report  of  the  regiment  on  the  16th  day  of 
August  showed  only  two  hundred  and  twenty-eight  men  fit 
for  duty,  fifteen  of  whom  were  on  detail,  leaving  only  two 
hundred  and  thirteen  men  with  eleven  officers  to  enter  into 
this  assault.  The  loss  was  ninety-seven  men  and  seven  com 
missioned  officers,  and  when  it  retired  and  returned  back  to 
camp  it  did  so  with  one  hundred  and  sixteen  men  commanded 
by  four  officers,  of  whom  Captain  Plimpton,  Company  G, 
was  the  senior  officer  and  in  command  of  the  regiment. 

Captain  Chauncey  Williams,  Company  H,  Lieutenant 
James  Lemon,  Company  I,  and  Lieutenant  Frane,  of  Com 
pany  D,  were  struck  dead  by  rebel  bullets,  and  were  buried 
on  the  field  where  they  so  gallantly  charged  and  so  bravely 
met  their  death. 

Captain  Leroy  A.  Baker,  who  commanded  the  regiment, 
fell,  struck  by  a  bullet  that  so  shattered  his  leg  that  amputa 
tion  was  found  to  be  necessary. 

Lieutenant  Norman  C.  Warner,  Company  E,  was  struck 
down  while  gallantly  bearing  the  colors  of  the  regiment, 
which  he  had  torn  from  the  bloody  hands  of  Sergeant  Henry 
M.  Hardenburg,  Company  G,  and  so  tight  was  the  grasp  of 
Hardenburg  upon  the  folds  that  the  piece  grasped  by  him 
remained  within  his  hand  when  the  banner  was  taken  by 
Lieutenant  Warner.  Lieutenant  Warner  was  also  compelled 


DON'T   TELL   MOTHER!" 


213 


to  lose  a  leg,  and  as  he  was  being  borne  back  to  the  hos 
pital  his  thoughts  reverted  to  the  mother  at  home,  whom  he 
was  so  anxious  should  be  spared  the  intelligence  of  this 
calamity  until  able  to  communicate  the  matter  in  his  own 
way,  that  he  cautioned  the  boys,  "  Don't  tell  mother!  Don't 
tell  mother!"  This  seemed  to  occupy  his  mind  more  than 
the  .painfully  shattered  leg  that  was  being  borne  back  to 
the  surgeon's  knife. 

Lieutenant  Butterfield  escaped  with  a  severe  flesh  wound 


SCENE  OF  ASSAULT,  AUGUST  16,  1864. 

of  the  face  and  was  soon  able  for  duty.  Lieutenant  Horace 
Knapp,  Company  D,  received  a  bad  wound  in  the  shoulder, 
the  ball  having  to  be  cut  out. 

These  officers  together  Avith  our  other  wounded  were 
placed  on  the  hospital  transport  near  by,  after  being  attended 
to,  and  sent  to  general  hospital. 

The  wounds  received  in  this  assault  were  more  than 
usually  severe  in  character,  a  great  number  requiring  ampu 
tation,  excision  of  bone  and  resection  of  joints.  The  number 


214  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  wounded  that  our  division  of  the  flying  hospital  disposed 
of  in  the  ensuing  forty-eight  hours  was  nine  hundred,  who 
were  placed  on  board  the  "Hero  of  Jersey,"  under  the  medi 
cal  charge  of  Surgeon  A.  C.  Barlow  of  the  Sixty-Second 
Ohio  Volunteers.  The  entire  list  of  casualties  on  the  16th 
of  June  at  Deep  Bottom  and  Strawberry  Plains  amounted 
on  the  Federal  side  to  five  thousand,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  say  what  had  been  accomplished,  if  anything,  in  our 
advance  upon  Richmond. 

In  closing  this  chapter  the  following  lines  from  the  pen 
of  the  Eev.  William  E.  Miller,  of  Tompkiiis  Cove,  N.  Y., 
seem  to  be  appropriate. 

"  WOUNDED." 

Let  me  lie  down, 

Just  here  in  the  shade  of  this  cannon-torn  tree; 
Here,  low  in  the  trampled  grass,  where  I  may  see 
The  surge  of  the  combat;  and  where  I  may  hear 
The  glad  cry  of  victory;  cheer  upon  cheer: 

Let  me  lie  down. 

Oh,  it  was  grand! 

Like  the  tempest  we  charged,  the  triumph  to  share; 
The  tempest! — its  fury  and  thunder  were  there. 
On!  on!  o'er  intrenchments;  o'er  living  and  dead, 
With  the  foe  under  foot  and  the  flag  overhead: 

Oh,  it  was  grand! 

WTeary  and  faint, 

Prone  on  the  soldier's  couch,  oh!  how  can  I  rest, 
W7ith  this  shot-shattered  head  and  saber-pierced  breast? 
Comrades!  at  roll  call,  when  I  shall  be  sought, 
Say  I  fought  'till  I  fell,  and  fell  where  I  fought! 

Wounded  and  faint. 

Oh,  that  last  charge! 

Right  through  the  dread  host  tore  shrapnel  and  shell, 
Through  without  faltering — clear  through  with  a  yell! 
Right  in  their  midst,  in  the  turmoil  and  gloom, 
Like  heroes  we  dashed  at  the  mandate  of  doom: 

Oh,  that  last  charge! 


"  WOUNDED:1  215 

It  was  duty! 

Some  things  are  worthless,  some  others  so  good 
That  nations  who  buy  them  pay  only  in  blood. 
For  freedom  and  Union,  each  man  owes  his  part; 
And  here  I  pay  my  share,  all  warm  from  my  heart: 

It  is  duty. 

Dying  at  last! 

My  mother,  dear  mother!  with  meek  tearful  eye, 
Farewell!  and  God  bless  you  forever  and  aye: 
Oh,  that  I  now  lay  on  your  pillowing  breast, 
To  breathe  my  last  sigh  on  the  bosom  first  prest: 

Dying  at  last. 

I  am  no  saint! 

But,  boys,  say  a  prayer;  there's  one  that  begins 
"Our  Father!  "  and  then  says,  "  forgive  us  our  sins." 
Don't  forget  that  part,  say  it  strongly!  and  then — 
I'll  try  to  repeat  it,  and  you'll  say  Amen! 

Oh,  I'm  no  saint. 

Hark!  there's  a  shout! 

Raise  me  up,  comrades!  We  have  conquered,  I  know! 
Up,  up,  on  my  feet,  with  my  face  to  the  foe! 
Oh!  there  flies  the  flag,  with  its  star  spangles  bright, 
The  promise  of  glory,  the  symbol  of  right! 

Well  may  they  shout! 

I'm  mustered  out! 

Oh,  God  of  our  fathers!  our  freedom  prolong, 
And  tread  down  rebellion,  oppression  and  wrong. 
Oh,  land  of  earth's  hope!  on  thy  blood-reddened  sod, 
I  die  for  the  Nation,  the  Union,  and  God! 

I'm  mustered  out. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


General  Birney's  Order— Pretty  Well  Thinned  Out,  but  Always  Ready- 
In  Front  of  Petersburg — Brigade  Hospital — The  Petersburg  Express 
— Rebel  Lines — Grant's  Headquarters — Whitworth  Bolts — Execution 
of  a  Soldier — Colonel  Howell's  Death — Eulogy  and  Elegy — Position 
of  the  Army  of  the  James— Election  Commissioners — Feeling  of  the 
Soldiers  —  Light  Marching  Order  —  Cross  the  James  —  Battle  of 
Darbytown  Cross-Roads — Assault  of  the  Fort — Plimpton's  Account 
of  It— Sergeant  Slagles— Yates'  Death— Steele's— Bad  Place  for 
Surgeons— The  Wounded— Lieutenant  Wilder  Killed— An  Incident- 
Miss  Clara  Barton— A  Great  "  Skedaddle"— General  Birney's  Death 
— Grand  Review  by  Lincoln  and  Grant — Some  Medical  Matters — 
Winter  Quarters— Some  of  Butler's  Orders. 


were  very  busy  days  in  that  hot  August  month. 
Fighting  was  almost  constant  at  some  point  along  our 
lines.  General  Orel  had  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the 
Eighteenth  Army  Corps.  General  Butler  had  commenced 
operations  on  his  "Dutch  Gap"  canal.  On  the  19th  General 
Birney,  commanding  the  Tenth  Corps,  issued  the  following 
congratulatory  order  to  his  troops: 

HEADQUABTEBS  TENTH  ABMY  COBPS, 

FUSSEL'S  MILLS,  VA.,  August  19,  1864. 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 

The  Major-General  commanding  congratulates  the  Tenth  Corps  upon 
its  success.  It  has  on  each  occasion,  when  ordered,  broken  the  enemy's 
strong  lines.  It  has  captured  during  this  short  campaign  four  siege  guns 
protected  by  the  most  formidable  works,  six  stands  of  colors,  and  many 
prisoners.  It  has  proved  itself  worthy  of  its  old  Wagner  and  Sumter 
renown.  Much  fatigue,  patience  and  heroism  may  yet  be  demanded  of  it; 
but  the  Major-General  commanding  is  confident  of  the  response. 

(Signed)  MAJOB-GENEBAL  D.  B.  BIBNEY. 

EDWABD  W.  SMITH,  Lt.  Col.  and  A.A.G. 

216 


ON   THE  MOVE   AGAIN.  217 

The  afternoon  of  the  21st  of  August  the  regiment — if 
it  could  be  so  called,  for  there  was  but  a  mere  fragment  left 
of  it — moved  back  to  our  old  quarters,  but  had  no  sooner 
disposed  of  ourselves  for  a  comfortable  rest  than  orders  were 
received  to  prepare  for  another  move.  We  were  like  the 
men  set  out  upon  the  chess-board — subject  to  the  will  of 
the  players  in  this  great  game  for  National  existence ;  which 
called  to  mind  the  song  of  Omar  Khayyam  :— 

"  We  are  no  other  than  a  moving  row 
Of  magic  shadow-shapes,  that  come  and  go 
Round  with  the  illuminated  lantern  held 
In  midnight  by  the  master  of  the  show; 
But  helpless  pieces  of  the  game  he  plays 
Upon  the  chequer-board  of  nights  and  days; 
Hither  and  thither  moves,  and  checks,  and  slays, 
And  one  by  one  back  in  the  closet  lays. 
The  ball  no  question  makes  of  ayes  and  noes, 
But  here  and  there,  as  strikes  the  players,  goes; 
And  he  that  tossed  you  down  into  the  field — 
He  knows  about  it  all — he  knows,  he  knows." 

It  was  not,  however,  until  the  24th  of  August  that  our 
division  filed  out  from  behind  the  intrenchments  at  Bermuda 
Hundred  and  took  up  its  march  to  the  trenches  in  front  of 
Petersburg.  We  reached  the  vicinity  of  the  works  on  the 
evening  of  the  same  day  and  bivouacked  for  the  night.  The 
following  day  the  division  took  position  near  the  huge  works 
that  rise  some  six  or  more  feet  above  the  level.  Our  brigade 
(the  First)  spread  their  shelters  in  the  open  timber  some  rods 
back  from  the  line  of  intrenchments,  and  protected  their 
quarters  by  throwing  up  heavy  embankments  on  the  side 
fronting  the  enemy. 

The  regimental  camp  was  near  Cemetery  Hill,  where 
General  Burnside  exploded  the  heavy  mine  on  the  evening 
of  July  29th  which  was  to  have  accomplished  such  wonders, 
and  would,  possibly,  had  the  affair  been  properly  managed ; 
but  it  was  successful  only  in  a  great  and  useless  slaughter 


218  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  human  life.  In  the  rear  of  our  position,  distant  about 
one  mile,  and  on  higher  ground,  Surgeon  Clark  established 
the  brigade  hospital,  marking  its  position  with  the  hospital 
flag  run  to  the  top  of  a  high  pole ;  and  during  our  stay  in 
the  front  of  Petersburg  not  a  day  passed  without  receiving 
wounded  from  some  point  along  the  line  occupied  by  the 
brigade. 

August  25th,  Sergeant  Henry  Hardenburgh,  Company 
G,  was  killed  in  camp  by  a  fragment  of  shell  which  pene 
trated  his  left  side.  He  lived  but  a  short  time  after  being 
brought  to  the  hospital. 

Near  the  hospital  and  to  the  right  there  had  been 
placed  in  position  a  fifteen-inch  mortar  which  was  named 
the  "Petersburg  Express,"  and  every  half  hour  both  day 
and  night  it  sent  a  messenger,  in  shape  of  a  fifteen- inch 
shell,  over  into  the  city  of  Petersburg.  At  night  when  the 
lighted  fuse  of  this  monster  shell  could  be  seen,  it  was  a 
sort  of  satisfaction  to  watch  its  progress  through  the  air  and 
to  hear  its  explosion  over  that  stronghold  of  treason. 

About  this  time  we  heard  that  Colonel  Osborn  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  had  so  much  improved  in  health 
that  they  had  departed  for  home  on  "leave  of  absence." 

September  3d  news  came  that  General  Sherman  had 
taken  possession  of  Atlanta,  Ga.  It  was  received  with 
general  rejoicing. 

The  rebel  fortifications  in  our  front  were  most  formid 
able,  and  some  of  the  forts  and  redoubts  on  the  left  were 
very  strong,  especially  Forts  Sedgwick  and  Steadman. 
The  length  of  the  rebel  line  of  fortification  was  some  forty 
miles,  extending  from  the  left  bank  of  the  Appomattox  river 
around  to  the  western  side  of  Petersburg  and  to  the  James 
river,  and  thence  to  the  east  of  Richmond.  The  opposing 
line  of  Grant  was  equal  in  length  but  not  so  heavy  and 
strong.  General  Grant's  headquarters  were  at  City  Point, 
and  there  had  been  constructed  a  railroad  from  that  place 


HANGING  A   SOLDIER.  219 

to  the  extreme  end  of  his  lines,  and  as  trains  passed  to  and 
fro  they  were  made  the  target  for  numerous  "  Whitworth 
bolts"  sent  over  with  the  design  of  disabling  the  locomo 
tives  ;  but  as  a  rule  they  seldom  did  any  damage.  We  often 
went  out  and  picked  them  up  as  curiosities  where  they  had 
fallen. 

On  September  3d  the  First  Division  of  the  Tenth 
Corps  was  called  out  to  witness  the  execution  of  a  young 
soldier  belonging  to  a  New  York  regiment  who  had  been 
tried  and  convicted  by  court-martial  for  willfully  and  ma 
liciously  killing  a  comrade,  and  he  had  been  sentenced  to  be 
hung  by  the  neck  until  dead.  At  two  o'clock  P.M.  the 
division  marched  to  the  place  of  execution  and  was  formed 
in  hollow  square,  inclosing  the  gallows,  which  had  been 
erected  during  the  morning.  The  condemned  man  was 
escorted  to  the  platform  of  the  gallows  by  a  file  of  soldiers. 
He  mounted  to  the  trap  with  apparent  indifference,  where 
the  charge  and  sentence  of  the  court-martial  were  read; 
after  which  he  was  asked  if  he  wished  to  say  anything;  but 
he  remained  silent.  A  white  cap  was  then  drawn  over  his 
head  and  face,  the  chaplain  made  a  short  prayer,  the  signal 
was  given,  and  in  a  moment  the  young  "homicide"  was 
dangling  at  the  end  of  the  rope,  and  soon  he  was  pro 
nounced  dead.  His  soul  had  advanced  to  judgment. 

Affairs  remained  comparatively  quiet  in  our  front,  and 
there  were  no  very  exciting  episodes  connected  with  the 
daily  routine  of  duty. 

On  the  morning  of  September  13th  we  were  painfully 
shocked  to  hear  that  Colonel  Howell,  then  temporarily  com 
manding  the  Third  Division,  had  been  seriously  injured  the 
previous  evening  by  the  falling  of  his  horse.  The  orderly 
who  brought  the  intelligence  also  conveyed  a  request  from 
General  Birney  for  Surgeon  Clark  to  come  and  attend  to  the 
Colonel.  The  writer  immediately  proceeded  to  Corps  head 
quarters  accompanied  by  an  ambulance. 


220  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Colonel  Howell  was  found  in  a  small  tent  near  General 
Birney's  headquarters,  alone  and  unconscious,  no  attention 
whatever  having  been  paid  to  him.  His  clothing  and  even 
his  sash  and  sword  were  still  on  him,  and  the  front  of  his 
coat  was  incrusted  with  dejections  from  his  stomach.  Call 
ing  an  orderly,  and  assisted  by  the  driver  of  the  ambulance, 
the  Colonel  was  placed  aboard  and  taken  to  the  brigade 
hospital.  No  person  about  Birney's  quarters  seemed  suffi 
ciently  interested  to  put  in  an  appearance.  The  Colonel 
had  been  placed  in  that  tent  at  the  time  of  his  injury  and 
had  remained  there  during  the  night  without  care  or  any 
attempt  being  made  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  his  injuries. 
On  reaching  the  hospital  a  thorough  examination  was  made. 
No  bones  were  found  broken,  but  he  was  suffering  from  a 
severe  concussion  of  the  brain,  and  possibly  haemorrhage. 
It  was  evident,  however,  that  he  could  not  live.  He  re 
mained  unconscious  up  to  a  few  moments  before  dissolution, 
when  he  opened  his  eyes  and  made  an  effort  to  speak,  but 
was  unintelligible.  He  died  at  sundown  on  the  evening  of 
the  24th. 

Thus  closed  the  life  of  as  gallant  and  brave  a  man  as 
ever  entered  the  service.  After  death  he  was  embalmed  and 
his  brother,  Dr.  Howell,  was  informed  by  telegram  of  the 
sad  event.  As  soon  as  his  death  was  known,  and  which  was 
wholly  unexpected  by  his  late  comrades,  large  numbers  of 
his  friends  came  to  do  him  honor.  General  Terry  came, 
and  sincerely  mourned  over  the  old  comrade  and  officer 
whom  he  had  so  lately  seen  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  health, 
and  so  full  of  enthusiasm  over  the  news  of  Sherman's  vic 
tories  on  his  "March  to  the  Sea."  All  the  members  of  his 
own  regiment  (the  Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania)  came  to  look 
upon  their  dead  commander  as  he  lay  under  the  shelter  of 
the  boughs,  with  the  sharp  cracking  of  musketry  and  the 
booming  of  rebel  cannon  for  a  requiem.  The  burial  service 
for  the  dead  was  conducted  by  his  brother  officers  of  the 


COL.  HOWELUS  DEATH.  221 

Masonic  fraternity,  and  the  remains,  in  the  care  of  his 
brother,  were  sent  home. 

It  was  a  sad  and  shocking  death  to  us  all.  He  was  a 
father  to  his  whole  command  and  they  had  learned  to  love 
and  respect  him.  Notwithstanding  his  age  (sixty  years)  he 
was  always  alert  for  duty,  and  in  times  of  danger  was  ever 
at  the  front  and  ever  vigilant.  Colonel  Howell  was  a  gen 
tleman  of  the  "  old  school."  You  could  almost  fancy  you 
saw  the  long  queue,  the  well-powdered  hair,  and  the  silk 
hose  and  silver  buckles  of  a  century  ago.  He  was  dignified 
in  manner,  yet  affable,  courteous  and  kind  in  behavior;  gen 
erous  and  affectionate  in  disposition  and  profuse  in  hospi 
tality  ;  and  when  he  spoke,  one  could  almost  feel  the  warmth 
of  his  generous  heart,  there  was  such  a  sense  of  sincerity  and 
truth  in  his  greeting. 

That  he  was  brave,  even  to  desperation,  no  one  who 
knew  him  will  question.  We  remember  at  one  time  when  a 
body  of  deserters  from  the  enemy  had  come  within  our  lines, 
that  one  of  them,  on  espying  the  Colonel  near  by,  said: 

"Ah!  that  gray-headed  and  bearded  old  gentleman 
over  there  looks  like  Howell!" 

On  being  told  that  it  was,  he  continued: 

"  Our  folks  know  him  mighty  well  and  don't  like  him 
at  all,  and  our  pickets  have  frequently  had  orders  to  shoot 
him.  They  say  he's  a  brave  old  man!" 

It  was  indeed  wonderful  that  he  had  so  miraculously 
escaped  death  at  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  for  he  was  always 
at  the  front,  and  seemed  to  invite  death  on  the  field  of  bat 
tle.  He  was  a  dear  friend  of  the  writer,  who  feels  that  in 
paying  this  tribute  to  his  memory  after  so  many  years  have 
sped  away,  he  has  but  given  voice  to  the  sentiments  of  all 
who  knew  him. 

September  18th,  the  sharp  and  continuous  crack  of 
musketry  still  echoed  and  re-echoed  along  the  whole  picket- 
line,  accompanied  now  and  then  by  the  fierce  screaming  of 


MAP  or  THE  DEFENSES  OF  RICHMOND  AND  PETEBSBUKG. 


ELECTION   COMMISSIONERS.  223 

shells  and  the  loud  detonation  as  they  exploded  overhead, 
carrying  death  and  wounds  in  their  course. 

Preparations  were  making  for  the  departure  of  the 
Eighteenth  Army  Corps  and  a  portion  of  the  Tenth,  and  our 
division  was  in  a  constant  state  of  expectancy,  for  orders 
might  be  received  at  any  moment. 

The  troops  in  front  of  Petersburg  at  this  time  were  dis 
posed  of  in  a  semi-circular  line.  Our  left  (the  Army  of  the 
Potomac)  extending  across  the  Petersburg  and  Norfolk  rail 
road  on  the  south,  and  the  right  resting  on  the  Appomattox 
river  at  the  Mills  house,  four  miles  north  of  the  city.  The 
Army  of  the  James  (Butler's)  occupied  a  position  on  the 
right  and  front,  to  the  north  and  westward,  near  the  Peters 
burg  and  Richmond  railroad. 

At  about  this  time  commissioners  from  the  various 
States  were  coming  into  camp  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the 
vote  of  the  soldiers  for  the  coming;  election,  and  it  was  a 

O  ' 

busy  and  quarrelsome  time.  We  had  for  a  long  time 
expected  that  we  would  be  permitted  to  proceed  home  as  a 
regiment  for  the  purpose  of  voting,  but  it  was  not  to  be,  for 
active  preparations  were  making  for  a  movement  against  the 
enemy. 

We  had  received  the  full  details  of  the  Chicago  con- 

o 

vention,  the  platform  adopted,  and  heard  with  dismay  of  the 
nomination  of  McClellan  for  the  presidency.  But  we  were 
convinced  that  George  B.  McClellan,  the  hero  who  had  won 
no  battle  and  captured  no  city  except  Trenton,  New  Jersey, 
would  appear  "non  est  inventus"  when  the  result  of  the 
November  election  was  known.  Considerable  excitement 
was  rife,  and  we  took  some  pains  to  ascertain  the  feeling  of 
the  soldiers  in  the  matter  and  to  probe  the  popular  senti 
ment.  In  several  of  the  brigades  the  election  had  already 
been  held  with  the  result  of  a  seven- eighths  vote  for  "  Old 
Abe  Lincoln" — the  man  whom  the  soldiers  considered  as 


22-4  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

best  fitted  to  hold  the  helm  of  State  until  our  cruise  through 
the  troubled  waters  of  a  treacherous  rebellion  was  finished. 

The  commander  of  an  Eastern  regiment  had  told  us 
that  there  were  six  officers  and  many  men  in  his  command 
who  had  openly  declared  their  intention  to  support  McClel- 
lan  for  the  presidency,  but  who  after  reading  his  platform 
turned  completely  about  and  voted  for  Lincoln.  "  Little 
Mac"  had  but  few  friends  in  the  army  operating  against 
Richmond. 

We  as  a  regiment  were  loud  in  expressing  our  con 
demnation  of  the  Illinois  Copperhead  legislature  in  not 
permitting  us  to  vote,  and  a  meeting  was  held  and  resolu 
tions  passed  to  that  effect. 

On  September  25th  the  First  Division  of  the  Tenth 
Army  Corps  had  orders  to  move,  and  left  camp  in  light 
marching  order  at  eight  o'clock  P.M.,  and  after  marching 
until  near  midnight,  turned  into  an  open  field  and  bivou 
acked,  with  a  single  blanket  to  each  man  for  covering.  Ah, 
me!  what  an  uncomfortable  night  was  passed,  and  how  cold 
it  turned  before  morning  in  that  spacious  and  breezy 
dormitory  of  Nature's! 

Light  marching  order  in  those  days  consisted  in  being 
equipped  with  gun  and  bayonet,  cartridge-box  filled  with 
"  sixty  rounds,"  haversack  containing  five  days'  rations, 
overcoat  and  blanket,  canteen  of  water  and  drinking  cup. 
Quite  enough  to  keep  a  man  from  flying.  We  remained  in 
camp  until  the  following  evening,  and  then  resumed  the 
march. 

On  the  28th  we  reached  the  James  river  and  crossed  it 
at  Deep  Bottom,  on  the  pontoon  bridge,  after  a  most 
fatiguing  march,  and  bivouacked.  A  portion  of  the  Tenth 
Corps  which  had  preceded  us,  together  with  the  Eighteenth 
Corps,  had  advanced  below  Chapin's  Bluff,  and  on  the  29th 
of  September  had  taken  a  large  portion  of  the  enemy's 
fortified  line,  with  fifteen  guns  and  many  prisoners.  Gen- 


BATTLE    OF  DARBYTOWN   CROSS-ROADS.  225 

eral  Orel,  commanding  the  Eighteenth  Corps,  was  badly 
wounded,  General  Godfrey  Weitzel  succeeding  to  the  com 
mand.  General  Birney  had  taken  the  enemy's  fortified 
lines  at  New  Market  heights,  and  had  attempted  the  taking 
of  Fort  Gilmer  at  Laurel  Hill,  within  six  miles  of  Kichmond, 
but  the  assault  proved  a  failure.  This  was  the  same  works- 
that  the  First  Brigade  of  the  First  Division,  Tenth  Corps, 
attempted  later  011  at  the  battle  known  as  "  Darby  town 
Cross-Roads "  the  13th  of  October,  in  which  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  lost  more  than  sixty  men  and  the  brigade  over  three 
hundred. 

September  30th  the  rebels  made  an  effort  to  retake 
their  line,  but  were  repulsed;  and  another  and  more  vigor 
ous  effort  was  made  on  the  evening  of  October  Gth,  when  a 
terrible  battle  ensued,  that  resulted  most  disastrously  to  the 
Confederates.  The  Thirty-Ninth  had  taken  no  active  part 
in  these  movements  and  assaults,  but  had  moved  to  a 
position  connecting  with  the  Eighteenth  Corps,  the  line  of 
the  First  Division  of  the  Tenth  extending  from  Chapin's 
Bluff  on  the  left  to  the  New  Market  road  on  the  right,  and 
had  been  busy  in  throwing  up  intrenchments,  with  now  and 
then  a  skirmish  with  the  rebels. 

On  the  9th  of  October  the  enemy  came  in  force  to  drive 
us  from  our  position  and  turn  our  flank,  but  were  repulsed 
with  great  slaughter  and  driven  back  some  miles. 

At  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  13th  we  had 
orders  to  advance  on  a  reconnoissance.  We  found  the 
enemy  strongly  intrenched,  and  after  some  lively  skirmish 
ing  the  First  Brigade  was  selected  to  make  a  charge. 

The  following  from  the  diary  of  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Homer  A.  Plimpton  describes  the 

BATTLE  OF  DARBYTOWN  CROSS-ROADS,  OCTOBER  13TH,  1864. 

On  the  13th  of  October  we  advanced  on  to  the  Darby  town  road  about 
three  and  a  half  miles  from  Richmond,  where  we  found  the  enemy  strongly 
intrenched.     We  skirmished  with  the  "  rebs  "  until  about  two  P.M.,  when 
15 


226  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

our  brigade  was  ordered  to  charge  the  works.  The  circumstances  sur 
rounding  us  at  the  time  were  very  discouraging  indeed.  We  were  com 
pelled  to  charge  their  works  at  a  point  where  they  had  a  heavy  flank  fire 
upon  us,  and  through  thick  underbrush  and  small  timber,  and  then  over 
heavy  slashing  where  their  artillery  could  rake  us.  The  men  all  knew 
before  going  in  the  difficulties  ahead;  all  the  officers  of  the  brigade  were 
opposed  to  the  charge,  and  reported  so  to  the  General  commanding  the 
corps;  but  it  made  no  difference.  Charge  we  must,  and  charge  we  did,  and 
Death  reaped  a  rich  harvest  as  the  result. 

Nobly  did  our  old  brigade  stand  up  before  that  terrible  storm  of 
lead  and  iron,  but  human  endurance  could  not  withstand  it,  and  it  was 
hurled  back  with  fearful  loss.  Our  little  regiment  lost  sixty  brave  men  in 
less  time  than  it  takes  to  tell  it.  Our  colors  were  completely  riddled,  and 
the  color-guard  all  killed  or  wounded  with  the  exception  of  three. 

There  was  one  sad  incident  connected  with  that  color-guard  that  will 
never  be  forgotten  by  any  who  survived  that  desperate  charge.  Our 
Color-Sergeant,  George  W.  Yates,  of  Company  A,  while  deliberations  were 
going  on  in  relation  to  the  expected  charge  upon  "  those  works,"  took  out 
all  of  his  letters  from  his  pocket,  read  them  over,  and  then  tore  them  to 
pieces  and  scattered  them  to  the  winds.  He  then  called  his  guard  about 
him  and  told  them  that  in  all  probability  a  charge  would  be  made  at  that 
point  and  it  would  be  a  desperate  affair;  and  "Boys,  I  shall  in  all  likeli 
hood  fall.  When  the  order  is  given  to  charge,  let  not  one  of  you  desert 
those  colors.  Save  them,  whether  I  am  lost  or  not."  When  the  order  was 
given  to  charge,  Sergeant  Yates  sprang  forward  with  the  colors  like  a  deer, 
But  110  sooner  did  he  come  in  sight  of  the  rebel  works  than  he  became  the 
target  of  a  terrible  volley  from  their  guns  and  fell  pierced  with  four  balls. 
It  was  at  this  point  that  the  regiment  was  hurled  back  and  the  rebels 
sprang  over  their  works  in  hot  pursuit.  Yates  hung  to  the  colors,  and 
when  one  of  the  guard  sprang  to  snatch  them  from  him  to  save  them 
from  capture,  he  was  compelled  to  tear  them  from  the  Sergeant's  hands. 
And  when  the  rebels  took  the  bleeding  and  dying  Sergeant,  they  found  him 
clinging  to  a  fragment  of  the  old  flag  dripping  in  his  own  blood.  He  was 
paroled  at  once,  and  died  in  Annapolis,  Md.,  October  26th. 

It  was  a  sad  sight  to  look  upon  the  colors  after  the  fight,  and  when  on 
our  next  inspection,  the  day  after  the  charge,  they  were  brought  out,  and 
only  one  line  officer,  and  he  a  First  Lieutenant,  it  made  my  heart  grow  sad. 
The  question  would  arise,  Where  are  the  rest?  Sleeping  beneath  the  sod, 
or  scattered  in  hospitals  suffering  from  wounds?  The  regiment  is  now 
commanded  by  a  First  Lieutenant.  The  only  officers  we  have  present  for 
duty,  aside  from  the  one  just  referred  to,  are  a  Second  Lieutenant  (act 
ing  Adjutant),  and  myself.  I  am  now  the  only  officer  belonging  to  Com 
pany  G.  My  Captain,  O.  F.  Rudd,  died  of  wounds;  the  two  Lieutenants 
are  discharged,  one  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  service,  the  other 
on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability.  There  are  no  other  Illinois  regi- 


THE  ENEMY'S   GUNBOATS. 


227 


ments  in  this  Department;  we  are  all  alone  and  a  long  way  from  home; 
and  although  we  are  the  sole  representative  of  the  Prairie  State,  we  have 
ever  endeavored  to  acquit  ourselves  like  men  and  not  bring  dishonor  upon 
her  fair  name. 

********* 
January  28th,  1865:     Everything  in  our  front  remains  quiet  at  pres 
ent,  although  on  the  24th  all  was  excitement  and  a  desperate  struggle  was 
expected.     Three  rebel  rams,  the  "  Drury,"  "Virginia,"  and  "  Richmond," 
came  down  the  river  with  the  intention  of   breaking   our   pontoons  and 


THE  ASSAULT. 


destroying  our  stores  at  City  Point.  Having  cut  our  communications, 
their  army  in  our  front  was  to  come  down  upon  us  and'  capture  us,  i.  e.,  if 
they  could.  This  was  the  movement  which  General  Lee  had  intimated, 
when  made,  would  "  startle  the  world."  By  the  interference  of  Providence 
and  our  heavy  Parrott  guns  their  scheme  was  thwarted.  The  "  Drury  "  was 
blown  up  by  a  shot  from  our  land  battery.  The  other  two  got  aground 
and  had  to  remain  there  under  the  fire  of  our  batteries  until  high-tide, 
when  they  succeeded  in  getting  off  and  putting  back.  The  "  Drury  "  went 


228  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

to  the  bottom.     The  failure  of  this  part  of  the  game,  of  course  compelled 
the  abandonment  of  the  other. 

It  has  been  reported  that  Semmes,  of  "  piratical  fame,"  had  charge 
of  the  naval  part  of  the  programme. 

General  David  B.  Birney,  commanding  the  Tenth  Corps, 
was  sick  at  the  date  of  this  battle  (the  13th),  and  the  Corps 
was  in  command  of  Brigadier-General  Alfred  H.  Terry,  the 
First  Division  being  temporarily  in  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  Ames,  and  our  brigade  was  commanded  by  Colonel 
A.  C.  Voris  of  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers. 

At  a  regimental  re-union  held  at  Marseilles,  111.,  Feb 
ruary  4th,  1885,  Sergeant  D.  H.  Slagle,  Company  K,  made 
the  following  remarks  in  relation  to  this  battle: 

At  two  o'clock  P.M.  we  are  in  front  of  the  enemy's  works  at  Darby- 
town  Cross-roads.  Our  regiment  and  brigade  are  deployed  in  close  column 
by  division;  the  order  comes  down  the  line  to  charge!  You  all  recall  that 
terrific  yell-,  as  we  made  the  assault  through  the  brush,  the  air  seeming  filled 
with  whizzing  bullets,  the  scream  of  solid  shot  and  shell,  the  rattle  and 
sweep  of  grape  and  canister  through  our  ranks.  Comrades  fell  on  our  right 
and  on  our  left;  we  find  the  "Johnnies"  too  many.  Their  force  behind 
protected  works  outnumbers  ours  two  to  one.  The  old  brigade  find  they 
cannot  take  the  works  this  time,  and  are  compelled  to  fall  back  and  re-form 
their  line.  That  day  myself  and  many  others  were  wounded  and  made 
prisoners  at  the  "abattis  "  of  their  fort.  Our  killed  were  quickly  despoiled 
of  their  clothing  by  the  enemy;  the  wounded  are  quickly  hustled  away  by 
their  ambulance  corps  at  early  moonlight,  and  that  autumn  evening  finds 
us  landed  in  Castle  Thunder  at  Richmond. 

Our  re-unions  are  to  recall  the  unwritten  incidents  of  our  active  ser 
vice;  to  mention  the  valor  of  those  that  bravely  fell  on  the  field  of  battle,, 
some  of  whom  are  sleeping  in  unmarked  graves, 

"Far  from  their  own  proud  land's  heroic  soil, 
Which  should  be  their  fitter  tomb!  " 

Color-Sergeant  George  W.  Yates,  Company  A,  who  sleeps  in  the  cem 
etery  near  by,  that  day  received  his  fatal  wounds  and  was  made  prisoner. 
I  was  transferred  in  the  same  ambulance  with  him  on  to  Richmond;  blood 
from  his  wounds  trickling  along  the  pike  the  entire  distance  from  Darby- 
town  battlefield  to  the  city,  he  having  received  four  severe  wounds  that 
proved  fatal  a  few  days  after  our  parole  and  arrival  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

You  will  recollect  that  just  before  the  order  came  to  make  the  assault 
our  mail  arrived  and  was  distributed.  Company  A  was  on  the  skirmish 


DEATH   OF   WILDER  AND  STEELS.  229 

line;  their  letters  had  been  handed  to  Sergeant  Yates,  of  the  color-guard, 
who  placed  them  in  his  left  breast  coat-pocket.  In  the  assault  he  received 
a  bullet  which  pierced  those  letters  and  also  his  watch,  and  penetrated  his 
side,  the  letters  turning  the  bullet  from  the  heart.  The  next  day  I  noticed 
those  letters  saturated  with  blood,  and  I  have  often  wondered  if  they  ever 
reached  the  parties  to  whom  they  were  addressed,  or  whether  the  writers 
ever  knew  that  their  letters  had  helped  to  turn  a  rebel  bullet  from  the  heart 
and  for  a  brief  period  spared  the  life  of  one  of  our  brave  men. 

In  that  charge  the  Thirty-Ninth  lost  one-third  of  the  number  engaged. 
There  Lieutenant  Wilder,  of  Company  H,  fell;  also  Sergeant  William  E. 
Steele  of  Company  E.  The  latter  fell  near  me.  A  bullet  struck  him  in  the 
center  of  the  forehead,  and  when  he  fell  on  their  works  he  retained  a  firm 
grip  of  his  musket  at  "  charge  bayonet,"  with  his  eyes  firmly  set  on  the 
enemy — dying  in  the  perfect  attitude  of  a  brave  and  fearless  volunteer  sol 
dier  yielding  up  his  life  in  the  defense  of  and  for  the  perpetuation  of  the 
Union. 

The  writer's  experiences  at  this  battle  were  unusually 
disagreeable.  On  the  7th  he  had  established  a  hospital  at 
Temple  Hall  church,  about  one  mile  in  advance  of  the  Tenth 
Corps  field  hospital,  which  was  located  at  Chapin's  farm,  in 
charge  of  Surgeon  S.  "W.  Richardson,  Seventh  New  Hamp 
shire  Volunteers.  On  the  morning  of  the  13th,  he  with 
other  surgeons  of  the  First  Division  of  the  Tenth  Corps  was 
ordered  by  the  Medical  Director  to  take  the  field  and  follow 
the  command,  with  strict  -orders  to  keep  within  three  hun 
dred  yards  of  the  line  of  battle.  When  the  First  Brigade 
were  preparing  and  forming  to  assault  the  rebel  redoubt,  he 
took  position  behind  a  corn-crib  in  the  yard  of  the  Gerault 
house.  As  the  brigade  advanced,  there  was  a  painful  hush, 
like  that  of  an  audience  awaiting  some  terrible  denouement. 
Then  came  the  roar  and  rattle  of  guns  and  a  rain  of  shell 
and  grape-shot  in  a  most  careless  manner,  shattering  the  old 
crib  and  scattering  splinters  and  debris  in  all  directions. 
One  ambulance  horse  was  killed  and  the  driver  wounded, 
and  much  other  damage  done.  The  wounded  soon  came 
back  in  numbers,  and  among  them  Captain  George  Heritage, 
Company  B.  Finding  our  position  untenable,  we  felt  justi 
fied  in  transgressing  orders  and  removed  to  the  left  and 


230 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


rear  inside  an  old  earthwork,  where  at  last  we  could  give 
our  undivided  attention  to  our  work  without  fear  of  being 
either  killed  or  wounded.  The  wounded,  as  fast  as  they 
were  temporarily  dressed,  were  sent  back  to  the  corps  hos 
pital  some  three  miles  distant.  At  about  four  o'clock  P.M. 
our  troops  fell  back,  and  having  sent  all  the  wounded  to  the 
rear,  the  surgeons  retired  to  the  corps  hospital.  On  the 
way  back  the  writer  met  Lieutenant- Colonel  Peter  Pineo, 
Medical  Inspector,  Army  of  the  James,  who  said,  "Doctor, 
you  have  anticipated  my  wishes,  for  I  have  already  sent  an 


COUNTING   THE    SCARS    IN    THE    COLORS. 

order  for  you  to  report  to  the  operating  theater,  where  your 
services  are  much  needed;  and,"  he  continued,  "I  shall 
make  it  my  first  duty  to  inquire  if  surgeons  are  to  be  com 
pelled  to  stand  as  targets  on  the  field  of  battle,  or  be  placed 
in  a  position  where  they  can  do  some  good." 

Captain  Heritage  had  received  two  wounds,  one  a  slight 
flesh-wound  of  the  side,  the  other  more  serious,  the  ball 
entering  at  the  outer  border  of  the  left  scapula,  passing 
through  to  the  left  shoulder,  where  it  lodged  and  was  cut 
out.  In  its  passage  it  had  struck  the  spinal  column  slightly, 


THE    GERAULT  FAMILY.  231 

and  to-day  Captain  Heritage  is  much  disabled  from  the 
results  of  that  wound,  suffering  attacks  of  epilepsy. 

Lieutenant  Nathan  E.  Davis,  Company  E,  had  received 
a  ball  in  the  right  shoulder  joint,  destroying  the  head  of 
bone  and  a  portion  of  its  shaft,  so  that  resection  of  the  joint 
with  removal  of  four  inches  of  the  humerus  was  necessary. 
He  was  sent  to  Chesapeake  hospital,  where  hospital  gan 
grene  attacked  the  wound,  and  by  reason  of  having  been  in 
poor  health  at  the  time  he  was  wounded,  he  soon  died  from 
blood-poisoning. 

James  G.  Hamilton,  Company  G,  was  so  badly  wounded 
that  amputation  of  the  leg  was  required. 

George  Howell,  Company  E,  and  John  Larkins,  Com 
pany  C,  each  suffered  the  loss  of  an  arm. 

William  H.  Jenkins,  Company  C,  received  a  wound  of 
the  thigh  which  two  years  later  required  amputation. 

Lieutenant  Charles  J.  Wilder,  Company  H,  was  killed. 

The  loss  in  this  assault  was  fifteen  officers  and  men 
killed,  and  forty-seven  officers  and  men  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner.  The  losses  to  the  regiment  on  the  7th  of  October 
had  been  one  man  killed,  fourteen  wounded,  and  one  taken 
prisoner.  Among  the  wounded  was  E.  J.  Thayer,  Company 
D,  who  received  severe  wounds  in  both  legs.  The  main 
strength  of  the  regiment  present  after  this  battle  was  less 
than  three  hundred  men,  and  there  were  but  three  officers 
left  to  command  them — one  Captain  and  two  Lieutenants. 

There  is  one  incident  connected  with  this  battle  that 
will  bear  relating.  While  the  doctors  were  located  back  of 
the  corn-crib,  near  the  house  before  mentioned,  there  was 
great  consternation  and  excitement  reigning'  therein.  It 
was  occupied  by  a  German  family,  consisting  of  man,  wife 
and  child,  named  Gerault.  We  found  them  huddled  together 
in  a  room  that  they  had  fortified  by  placing  barrels  and 
sacks  of  potatoes  and  furniture  around  the  exposed  sides. 
As  the  battle  waxed  warmer  and  the  shells  and  bullets 


232  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

screamed  and  whistled  loud  and  fast,  the  woman  and  child 
took  refuge  under  a  big  feather  bed,  on  the  floor,  and  it  is 
presumed  that  she  thought  herself  and  child  safe  from  harm. 
But  alas!  a  shell  exploded  directly  over  the  house  and  the 
fragments  penetrated  to  the  room,  scattering  feathers  in  all 
directions  and  severely  wounding  the  woman  in  the  leg  so 
that  amputation  of  the  member  became  necessary  back  at  the 
hospital,  which  was  performed  by  Surgeon  M.  S.  Kittinger, 
One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers,  assisted  by  Miss 
Clara  Barton.  In  conversation  with  the  woman  shortly 
afterwards,  she  seemed  to  deplore  the  loss  of  her  feather 
bed  more  than  the  loss  of  her  leg. 

Miss  Clara  Barton  was  present  at  the  corps  hospital  at 
this  time  and  rendered  most  effective  and  grateful  service  in 
ministrations  to  the  wounded  both  day  and  night.  She  was 
a  "Florence  Nightingale"  in  her  devotion  to  the  sick, 
wounded  and  dying  that  came  and  went  from  that  hospital 
during  the  following  winter.  She  was  placed  in  charge  of 
the  "light  diet  department,"  and  furnished  with  untiring 
zeal  delicacies  and  appetizing  dishes  for  the  many  sick. 
She  only  left  us  when  we  were  again  ordered  to  advance 
"On  to  Kichmond."  After  these  many  years,  her  memory 
is  still  fresh  and  green  with  us;  and  we  wish  her  God 
speed  in  her  philanthropic  mission  as  President  of  the 
"Ked  Cross"  Association  of  America. 

The  last  of  our  wounded  was  sent  away  on  the  after 
noon  of  October  14th,  when  the  writer  returned  to  his  old 
quarters  at  Temple  Hall  church. 

On  the  morning  of  October  15th  the  surgeons  and 
attendants  at  the  church  suffered  a  big  scare — in  fact, 
became  somewhat  demoralized  for  the  time. 

Several  companies  of  Kantz's  cavalry  who  were  on 
picket  duty  in  our  front,  came  flying  back  in  the  greatest 
excitement  and  disorder  and  cried  out  to  us,  "The  rebels 
are  coming!"  and  from  appearances  we  thought  it  must  be  a 


COLLECTING    THE    WOUNDED. 


DEATH   OF  GEN.  BIRNEY.  233 

fact,  and  at  once  prepared  to  vacate.  Looking  up  the  road 
towards  the  front  could  be  seen  a  mass  of  disordered  and 
tangled-up  cavalry  in  a  wild  stampede;  some  horses  were 
riderless,  with  saddles  turned  and  the  stirrups  swinging 
and  napping  about,  which  served  to  increase  their  speed. 
Troopers,  hatless,  with  hair  flying,  rushed  frantically  by, 
whooping  and  cursing;  scabbards  and  canteens  swinging 
and  clanging  amid  the  clatter  of  hoofs,  made  up  the  scene 
of  a  most  disgraceful  rout.  There  seemingly  was  no  one  to 
command,  and  the  horses  were  as  frantic  as  the  riders. 
Hospital  Steward  DeNormandie  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  with 
his  assistants,  soon  had  our  equipment  aboard  the  wagon, 
and  the  six-mule  team  in  place,  and  speedily  joined  in  the 
retreat,  the  surgeons  bringing  up  the  rear.  We  had  not 
proceeded  more  than  twenty  rods,  however,  when  an  officer 
made  his  appearance  and  succeeded  in  checking  the  retreat 
ing  cavalry. 

It  seems  that  the  enemy  in  considerable  force  had  made 
a  sudden  and  unexpected  attack  on  that  portion  of  our  line 
guarded  by  Kantz's  cavalry,  and  had  routed  them  and 
created  a  panic.  The  First  Division,  Tenth  Corps,  were  soon 
in  line,  however,  and  turned  the  rebels  back  with  some  con 
siderable  loss.  On  visiting  the  scene  of  the  attack  soon 
after  we  found  a  large  number  of  dead  rebels  lying  promis 
cuously  around. 

On  the  18th  we  heard  of  the  death  of  our  corps  com 
mander,  General  David  B.  Birney,  who  was  a  brave  and 
efficient  officer,  and  his  loss  was  deeply  felt  and  was  deemed 
irreparable.  General  Terry,  who  had  previously  commanded 
the  corps  during  the  illness  of  Birney,  now  succeeded  to  the 
full  command. 

October  20th,  the  writer  was  permanently  detailed  to 
the  flying  hospital  of  the  Tenth  Corps  as  chief  operating 
surgeon,  and  was  succeeded  by  Surgeon  Samuel  Kurtz, 
Eighty-Fifth  Pennsylvania,  as  brigade  surgeon.  '  He  there- 


234  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

fore  took  up  quarters  at  the  corps  hospital  located  at  Cha- 
pin's  farm.  On  the  evening  of  this  day,  the  corps  celebrated 
another  victory  of  Sheridan's  in  the  valley  of  Virginia,  and 
salvo  after  salvo  of  artillery  at  our  front  proclaimed  or 
emphasized  the  fact  to  the  rebels  opposite. 

October  25th  a  grand  review  of  the  Tenth  Corps  took 
place  on  a  broad  "  plateau  "  near  the  hospital.  President 
Lincoln,  Secretary  Stanton,  Secretary  Fessenden,  Surgeon- 
General  Barnes  and  many  other  notables  from  Washington 
were  present  to  witness  the  "fighting  stock"  of  the  "Army 
of  the  James."  The  old  corps  never  appeared  to  greater 
advantage,  and  everything  passed  off  creditably.  Our  divi 
sion  had  been  almost  decimated  and  did  not  present  the 
same  appearance  as  regards  numbers  that  it  did  when  the 
President  last  reviewed  us,  some  six  months  previous.  The 
Thirty-Ninth  at  this  time  numbered  only  two  hundred  and 
twenty -five  men  for  duty  and  had  but  two  commissioned 
officers  with  it,  aside  from  the  medical  staff. 

October  26th,  orders  were  received  to  prepare  for 
an  advance  which  was  to  commence  in  the  early  morning, 
and  there  was  every  prospect  for  more  bloody  work.  The 
following  morning,  October  27th,  the  corps  advanced  to  the 
front  again,  near  the  scene  of  the  late  engagement  on  the 
13th  of  October,  where  they  met  the  enemy,  and  for  two 
days  more  or  less  fighting  was  done.  The  Thirty-Ninth 
were  not  at  this  time  compelled  to  take  a  very  active  part, 
and  hence  the  losses  during  these  days  to  the  regiment 
were  small.  The  corps  suffered  to  the  extent  of  some  four 
hundred  officers  and  men,  three  hundred  and  eleven  of  whom 
were  brought  back  to  the  hospital,  and  the  number  of  severe 
and  serious  casualties  was  greater  than  in  any  other  fight  of 
this  campaign.  Out  of  this  number  it  was  necessary  to  per 
form  ninety  capital  amputations  and  twenty-three  excisions 
of  bone,  chiefly  of  the  femur  and  humerus  and  the  inferior 
maxillary. 


WINTER    QUARTERS.  235 

\ 

After  this  battle  a  large  number  of  deserved  promotions- 
were  made  for  brave  and  gallant  conduct  on  the  field.  Among 
these  was  our  friend  Colonel  N.  M.  Curtis,  of  the  One  Hun 
dred  and  Forty-Second  New  York  Volunteers,  who  was  in 
command  of  a  brigade  at  the  time.  The  Colonel  took  the 
field  when  he  was  scarcely  able  to  stand  from  illness,  andr 
strange  to  say,  was  knocked  down  four  different  times  on  the 
27th  by  spent  balls.  His  escape  from  death  was  simply 
among  the  greatest  of  marvels. 

At  this  time  there  seemed  to  be  a  general  cessation  of 
operations  at  our  front,  and  the  whole  army  prepared  to- 


WlNTEB    QUAETEES    AT    CHAPIN's    FAEM. 

go  into  winter  quarters.  Pleasant  camps  were  selected  near 
our  line  of  works,  which  were  very  heavy  and  complete,  and 
the  men,  when  off  duty,  went  vigorously  to  work  in  erecting 
log  houses.  Timber  was  cut  and  hauled  to  the  ground,  and 
layer  after  layer  of  logs  arose  until  the  desired  height  was 
obtained,  and  then  was  covered  with  their  shelter  tents  or 
boughs  from  the  pines.  The  interstices  between  the  logs 
were  filled  in  with  clay ;  the  door  hung  with  leather  hinges, 
or,  if  possible,  with  stronger  ones  from  the  doors  of  the  many 
vacant  houses  in  the  vicinity ;  and  the  same  source  supplied 
the  necessary  window-sash  for  the  soldier's  dwelling.  The 


'236  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

huts  or  cottages  were  arranged  in  conformity  to  army  regu 
lations  and  presented  a  very  interesting  appearance.  The 
men  built  like  structures  for  some  of  the  officers,  and  the 
regimental  medical  officers  were  thus  favored.  Each  little 
building  was  furnished  with  a  fireplace  or  else  a  sheet-iron 
.stove,  and  many  of  these  buildings  were  very  cosy  and  com 
fortable. 

The  headquarters  of  the  brigade  and  division  were  under 
•canvas  shelters,  but  with  good  frames  of  timber  to  support 
them  in  lieu  of  poles,  and  besides  had  good  flooring. 

The   Thirty-Ninth's    band,    which   had    a   position    at 


OFFICERS'  QUARTERS,  CHAPIN'S  FARM. 

brigade  headquarters,  were  prolific  in  putting  up  shelters 
and  digging  wells,  and  theirs  were  among  the  best. 

About  this  time  (October  31st)  General  Butler  left  his 
command  for  a  few  days'  recreation  at  Fort  Monroe,  leaving 
it  in  charge  of  General  Terry. 

Butler  was  quite  popular  with  his  command,  winning 
our  respect  and  confidence  by  unwearied  attention  to  the 
details  that  make  up  the  sum  of  a  soldier's  comfort.  He  was 
better  at  planning  than  executing,  yet  his  record  in  this 
capacity  will  compare  well  with  that  of  other  Generals  who 
were  placed  in  the  same  position.  He  was  no  friend  to  those 


GEN.  BUTLERS   ORDERS.  237 

who  did  not  perform  their  duty  in  all  and  every  respect,  as 
the  following  orders  will  show,  which  we  have  copied  for 
insertion  in  order  to  exhibit  the  character  of  the  man: 

HEADQUABTEKS 
DEPARTMENT  or  VIEGINIA  AND  NOBTH  CAROLINA,. 

ARMY  OF  THE  JAMES. 
IN  THE  FIELD,  VA.,  October  29th,  1864. 

ORDERS. 

-It  having  been  certified  to  me  by  Colonel  Abbott,  commanding  Seventh 
New  Hampshire  Volunteers;  Brigadier-General  Hawley,  commanding  Bri 
gade;  Brigadier-General  Ames,  commanding  Division;  and  Major-General 
Terry,  commanding  Tenth  Army  Corps,  that  Captain  Joseph  E.  Clifford 
has  tendered  his  resignation  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  and  that  he  is  guilty 
of  "  skulking  "  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  and  of  absence  without  leave,  he 
is  hereby  dishonorably  dismissed  the  service  of  the  United  States,  with 
forfeiture  of  all  pay  and  allowances. 

II. — Citizen  Joseph  E.  Clifford,  having  declared  that  he  desired  to- 
get  out  of  the  service,  and  was  bound  to  do  so,  either  honorably  or  dis 
honorably,  is  hereby  ordered  to  be  set  at  work  under  the  charge  of  the 
superintendent  of  prison  labor  at  Norfolk. 

By  command  of  Maj-Gen'l  Butler. 

ED.  W.  SMITH,  A.  A.  Gen1 1. 

ORDERS. 
Special  Orders,  No.  372: 

HI. — David  B.  White,  late  Major  of  the  Eighty-First  New  York  Volun 
teers,  who  has  left  the  service,  cannot  be  elected  as  sutler  in  this  Depart 
ment.  Field  officers  leaving  the  service  voluntarily  cannot  take  the  place 
of  boot-blacks  here.  If  they  have  no  more  respect  for  the  service  which 
they  have  left,  they  will  find  that  officers  here  have.  David  B.  White  will 
at  once  leave  the  Department. 

By  command  of  Maj-Gen'l  Butler. 

(Official.}  ED.  W.  SMITH,  A.  A.  Gen' I. 

Other  orders  of  a  like  nature  could  be  given,  but  the 
foregoing  will  suffice. 

Matters  remained  quiet  at  the  front  during  the  months 
of  November  and  December,  with  the  exception  of  some 
artillery  practice  occasionally,  and  now  and  then  a  little 
musket  firing.  Colonel  Osborn  returned  to  the  front  during- 
the  month  of  November,  after  a  "  leave  of  absence  "  home, 
and  was  soon  placed  in  command  of  the  First  Brigade  of  the 
First  Division. 


CHAPTEK   XVII. 


Organizing  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps — The  Twenty-Fifth  and  Part 
of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps  go  to  Fort  Fisher — The  Field  Hospital 
at  Chapin's  Farm— Medical  Examining  Board — Malingerers,  and 
How  Treated — Christmas  Eve — Music  by  the  Band  —  Egg-Nog,  Etc. 
— Dutch  Gap  Canal  — Victory  Everywhere — Visitors  —  Ed  Conley's 
Version  of  a  Serenade  Aboard  the  "  Hunchback; "  and  How  it  Termin 
ated — Surgery  on  a  Horse — Deserters — Shooting  Deserters— Sad  and 
Shocking  Scene. 


~TN  December  the  work  of  re-organizing  the   Tenth  and 
Eighteenth  Corps  was  commenced,  conformably  to  the 
following  order: 

WAB  DEPARTMENT. 
ADJUTANT-GENEBAL'S  OFFICE. 

WASHINGTON,  December  3d,  1864. 
GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  297. 

By   direction   of  the   President  of  the  United  States,  the  following 
changes  will  be  made  in  the  organization  of  the  "  Army  of  the  James." 

I.  The  Tenth  and  Eighteenth  Corps  will  be  discontinued. 

II.  The  white  infantry  troops  of  the  Tenth  and  Eighteenth  Army 
Corps,  now  with  the  Army  of  the  James,  will  be  consolidated  under  the 
direction  of  the  Major-General  commanding  the  Department  of  Virginia 
and   North   Carolina,  and   will   constitute   a   new   corps,  to   be  called  the 
Twenty-Fourth  Corps. 

III.  The  colored  troops  of  the  Department  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina  will  be  organized  into  a  new  corps,  to  be  called  the  Twenty-Fifth 
Corps. 

IV.  The  present  corps  staff  and  the  artillery  of  the  Eighteenth  Corps 
will  be  transferred  to  the  Twenty-Fourth,  and  the  present  corps  staff  and 
artillery  of  the  Tenth  to  the  Twenty-Fifth  Corps. 

V.  Major-General  E.  O.  C.  Ord  is  assigned  to  the  command  of  the 
Twenty-Fourth  Corps,  and  General  Godfrey  Weitzel  to  the  command  of 
the  Twenty-Fifth  Corps. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

E.  D.  TOWNSEND,  Asst.  Adft-General. 
238 


FIELD  HOSPITAL   AT   CHAPIN'S  FARM.  239 

December  3d,  the  Twenty-Fifth  Corps  was  ordered 
away,  and  also  a  portion  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps.  The 
surmise  was  that  they  were  going  to  aid  Sherman,  but  their 
destination  proved  to  be  Fort  Fisher;  and  on  January  15th, 
1865,  we  had  the  pleasure  of  knowing  that  the  expedition 
had  been  successful — the  fort  having  yielded  to  our  old 
commander,  General  Alfred  H.  Terry,  and  Admiral  Porter, 
but  not  without  severe  loss,  the  casualties  amounting  to 
some  nine  hundred.  The  loss  in  the  land  force  under  Terry 
amounted  to  six  hundred  and  ninety-one ;  the  Navy  losing  a 
little  more  than  two  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded. 

Three  of  our  best  and  most  active  surgeons  lost  their 
lives  by  disease  contracted  during  the  operations  against 
Fort  Fisher.  They  were  Surgeon  A.  J.  H.  Buzzell  of  the 
Third  New  Hampshire,  acting  Chief  Medical  Officer  of 
Division ;  Surgeon  Palmer  of  the  Fourth  New  Hampshire; 
and  Surgeon  Washburne  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twelfth 
New  York  Volunteers. 

Our  winter  quarters  were  fully  completed  at  this  time, 
and  we  commenced  a  life  of  partial  hibernation.  Even  at 
the  field  hospital  we  had  completed  a  system  of  permanent 
wards  for  the  sick,  constructed  of  pine  posts  set  upright  in 
the  ground  and  covered  with  hospital  tent-flies.  Three 
wards,  each  a  hundred  feet  in  length  by  twenty-five  feet 
wide,  were  constructed  on  this  plan,  while  hospital  tents 
joined  together  and  supported  by  inside  frames  made  two 
other  wards  for  surgical  cases.  The  small-pox  hospital 
consisted  of  a  single  hospital  tent  which  was  located  a  hun 
dred  yards  in  the  rear.  Walks  were  laid,  evergreens 
planted,  and  everything  was  done  to  embellish  and  add 
comfort.  At  the  front  we  had  erected  a  large  flag-staff 
which  flaunted  the  hospital  flag  and  could  be  seen  from  all 
the  camps. 

A  medical  examining  board  had  been  instituted,  con 
sisting  of  the  chief  medical  officers  at  the  hospital,  which 


240  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

met  in  session  each  week  for  the  purpose  of  examining  all 
applicants  for  furlough  or  discharge  from  service,  as  well  as 
those  presenting  for  the  position  of  assistant  surgeon. 

Our  work  on  the  board  was  decidedly  heavy  and  lively, 
for  a  large  number  of  both  officers  and  men  were  making 
applications  for  either  a  "leave  of  absence"  or  a  discharge 
from  the  service  by  reason  of  disability.  We  are  sorry  to 
say  that  many  presented  who  had  not  the  least  claim  to  this 
indulgence,  and  they  were  sent  back  to  camp,  "disapproved." 

A  large  number  of  men  who  had  been  drafted  and  for 
warded  to  our  corps  gave  us  more  trouble  and  annoyance 
than  all  the  old  soldiers  put  together.  Men  were  drafted  in 
New  York  city  who  had  but  lately  landed  from  emigrant- 
ships,  and  pushed  forward  to  the  front.  They,  on  reaching 
the  army,  would  malinger  and  feign  all  sorts  of  disorders. 

We  remember  meeting  with  two  persons  of  this  class 
who  were  sent  to  the  hospital  for  examination.  They  both 
claimed  to  suffer-  from  acute  rheumatism,  and  had  suffered 
for  years  with  the  complaint  until  their  limbs  had  been  con 
tracted.  They  were  brought  in  an  ambulance  to  the  hospital 
and  placed  in  bed.  On  examination  day  they  were  conveyed 
on  stretchers  to  our  room,  and  a  thorough  investigation  was 
made.  Both  protested  that  they  could  not  walk  by  reason 
of  the  contraction  of  tendons  and  muscles,  and  in  fact  our 
efforts  to  bring  the  limbs  into  normal  position  caused  a  great 
outcry.  We  placed  them  on  a  table  and  administered  chloro 
form,  when  lo  and  behold!  they  each,  during  the  exciting 
stage  of  the  drug,  moved  their  limbs  as  vigorously  and  with 
as  much  suppleness  as  we  could  wish  to  see.  After  they  had 
regained  consciousness  their  limbs  relapsed  back  to  the 
former  condition  with  a  power  of  will  that  was  astonishing. 
We  all  agreed  in  pronouncing  them  a  fraud,  and  so  told 
them ;  but  instead  of  confessing,  they  persistently  clung  to 
the  falsehood  they  had  agreed  upon. 

We  had  a  summary  way  of  punishing  this  class.     They 


HOW  FRAUDS   WERE   TREATED.  241 

were  told  to  get  up  and  proceed  to  their  regiment ;  and  call 
ing  two  men  of  the  guard  to  take  position  behind  them  with 
fixed  bayonets,  with  orders  to  march  at  a  "charge  bayonet," 
and  if  the  villains  faltered,  to  run  them  through,  they  were 
told  to  Forward,  march!  and  they  finally  concluded  to  go 
nimbly  to  camp. 

One  other  case  of  this  character  we  will  mention.  A 
man  from  a  New  York  regiment  had  been  lying  in  hospital 
for  some  weeks  with  what  he  termed  "hip-joint  disease." 
During  a  meeting  of  the  "board"  he  was  brought  in  for 
exam  ination,  and  was  accompanied  by  the  assistant  surgeon 
in  charge  of  the  ward,  who  stated  that  the  man  had  been 
under  treatment  there  for  some  weeks,  and  after  doing  all 
that  he  could  for  him,  there  was  no  improvement  in  his  case. 
The  assistant  also  stated  that  he  had  carefully  watched  the 
man,  and  had  noticed  him  at  times  walking  naturally,  when 
he  thought  himself  unobserved.  Each  of  the  four  surgeons 
constituting  the  examining  board  gave  his  opinion,  after  a 
full  and  free  examination,  and  we  all  concurred  in  pronounc 
ing  the  case  one  of  fraud.  Chloroform  was  administered, 
and  the  limb  put  through  all  its  motions  and  examined 
thoroughly,  and  we  were  more  fully  convinced  that  he  was 
malingering.  We  told  him  our  conviction,  but  he  stoutly 
maintained  that  he  was  an  invalid. 

The  steward  of  the  hospital  was  called  and  directed  to 
place  two  irons  or  pokers  in  the  fire,  and  we  would  soon  cure 
the  man.  He  watched  the  irons  until  they  assumed  a  white 
heat,  and  was  ordered  to  uncover  the  hip,  which  he  did 
without  any  protest,  and  then,  one  after  the  other,  the  burn 
ing  irons  were  applied  over  the  hip- joint.  He  made  no 
exclamation  until  the  third  application,  when  he  confessed 
that  he  had  been  "playing  off"  on  the  doctors,  and  if  we 
would  let  him  go  he  would  never  do  so  again.  We  kept  the 
man  in  hospital  until  he  recovered  from  the  cautery,  and 


242  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

then  sent  him  to  his  company,  where  he  proved  a  good  soldier 
afterwards. 

December  24th,  the  band  of  the  Thirty -Ninth  came  to  the 
hospital  in  the  evening  chaperoned  by  the  hospital  steward, 
Anthony  De  Normandie.  After  some  music  in  front  of  our 
headquarters,  we  showed  them  the  way  to  the  quarters  of 
Miss  Barton,  where  several  .pieces  were  played,  and  at  last 
we  were  invited  in  to  take  a  little  milk-punch,  provided  for 
us,  together  with  a  "Christmas  eve"  collation.  After  doing 
the  "nice  thing"  by  the  band  we  returned  to  the  writer's 
quarters,  where  we  found  the  band  of  the  Eighth  Connecticut, 
who  had  also  come  down  for  a  little  stimulation.  In  pro 
ceeding  farther  we  met  with  General  Osborn  and  his  acting 
Assistant-Adjutant-General,  Captain  Nevins,  and  at  once 
ordered  in  egg-nog,  for  this  was  possible,  as  we  had  a  large 
number  of  hens  connected  with  the  hospital  and  belonging 
to  Surgeon  Richardson.  The  affair  was  enjoyed  amazingly, 
and  the  "wee  sma'  hours"  approached  before  we  were  per 
mitted  to  go  to  bed. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  and  the  Eighth  Connecticut  bands 
took  turns  in  giving  us  music,  and  when  invited  inside  were 
as  zealous  in  appropriating  "something  to  wet  their  lips." 
The  whisky  was  bought  from  the  division  commissary,  and 
how  they  ever  got  home  was  a  "nine  days'  wonder"  to  us. 

Before  leaving,  the  bands  got  considerably  mixed,  and 
in  playing  their  "finale"  it  was  impossible  to  state  whether 
it  was  "Schubert's  Serenade,"  the  "Mocking  Bird,"  or  the 
"Volunteer's  Return."  However,  they  did  their  best,  and 
we  have  never  yet  seen  members  of  a  band  who  could  not 
keep  their  legs,  and  the  necessary  "  pucker"  of  lip. 

During  the  winter,  although  a  most  ominous  quiet  had 
been  observed  at  the  front,  the  men  were  detailed  to  go  out 
on  picket  duty  at  the  front  and  at  the  rear  near  where  a  cut 
was  being  made  which  would  save  some  six  miles  journey  by 
river,  and  was  known  as  the  "Dutch  Gap  Canal"  of  General 


DEFEAT   OF  REBEL    GUNBOATS.  243 

Butler.  The  men  at  work  on  this  canal  were  continually 
harrassed  by  the  shot  and  shell  of  the  enemy  from  the  How- 
lett  House  battery,  and  they  had  the  range  so  completely 
that  it  was  dangerous  to  work  at  any  time.  The  details  that 
were  sent  there  excavated  pits  in  the  embankment  where 
they  were  comparatively  safe  during  a  bombardment  from 
the  battery. 

The  canal  was  finally  completed,  with  the  loss  of  many 
a  good  man,  and  had,  up  to  this  time,  been  of  no  particular 
benefit,  and  we  counted  it  as  so  much  lost  time. 

January  24th  we  were  awakened  by  the  heavy  booming 


BATTERY  AT  DUTCH  GAP. 


of  cannon,  and  at  each  discharge  of  the  heavy  guns  our  room 
fairly  quivered  and  the  window-sashes  seemed  to  have*  the 
ague.  On  getting  out  of  bed  in  the  early  morning  the  can 
nonading  was  still  in  progress  and  continued  for  perhaps  an 
hour  in  great  fury. 

The  occasion  was  the  appearance  of  the  enemy's  gun 
boats.  The  result  was,  the  destruction  of  one  rebel  ram,  and 
two  others  ran  aground  in  attempting  to  get  down  the  river 
to  "Dutch  Gap  Canal,"  and  they,  before  getting  off,  were 
severely  injured. 


244  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Iii  the  early  part  of  February  we  received  some  visitors 
from  the  North.  Among  them  was  Joseph  A.  Cutler,  our 
former  quartermaster,  and  a  Mr.  Garrison  from  Chicago, 
who  had  come  down  on  a  semi-political  mission  pertaining 
to  the  promotion  and  commissioning  of  several  officers. 

February  llth  Mr.  Garrison  took  his  departure  for 
Washington  via  Norfolk  to  see  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann, 
and  was  accompanied  to  the  landing  by  several  officers, 
including  General  Osborn,  who  was  to  accompany  him  to 
Norfolk  on  a  few  days  "leave  of  absence."  The  regimental 
band  had  preceded  the  party  and  met  them  at  the  boat. 


GEN.  BUTLEK'S   HEADQUAETEBS — DUTCH  GAP. 

In  this  connection  is  mentioned  a  little  incident  that 
happened  during  the  evening  on  board  the  gunboat  "Hunch 
back,"  where  the  band,  Surgeon  Clark  and  Dr.  Woodward 
had  been  invited.  The  following  version  of  the  affair  from 
the  pen  of  Edward  Conley,  a  former  member  of  the  band 
from  Wilmington,  111.,  and  who  was  the  editor  of  the 
Wilmington  Advocate,  but  now  of  the  Joliet  Signal,  is 
inserted : 

On  the  evening  of  February  llth  the  band  proceeded  on  foot  from 
the  brigade  encampment  on  the  New  Market  road,  near  the  outer  defenses 
of  Richmond,  to  the  "  landing  "  at  Deep  Bottom — about  four  miles  distant, 
— with  a  view  of  visiting  the  medical  purveyor  (Dr.  Woodward,  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth),  and  his  barges  on  the  James  river,  and  of  seeing  Colonel 


SERENADE   ON   THE   "HUNCHBACK."  245 

Osborn  and  his  Chicago  guest  off  to  Norfolk  on  the  steamer  "  Thomas 
Powell."  On  arriving  we  gave  some  music,  and  as  soon  as  the  "  Powell " 
departed  we  descended  the  hatches  of  the  purveyor's  barge,  where  a  genial 
and  hospitable  circle,  including  Surgeon  Clark,  greeted  us.  The  evening 
passed  with  vocal  and  instrumental  music,  pleasant  repartee  and  general 
hilarity;  all,  however,  within  the  bounds  of  decorum. 

At  about  eleven  o'clock  a  signal  lantern  appeared  on  the  "  Hunch 
back."  a  "  double-ender  "  gunboat  lying  off  a  hundred  rods  distant,  guard 
ing  the  approaches  to  "Four  Mile  Run,"  and  forming  the  extreme  right  of 
the  Union  lines,  at  that  time.  To  be  brief,  our  band  and  the  officers  were 
invited  on  board;  and  having  accepted  the  courtesy,  were  conveyed  to  the 
vessel  in  a  cutter  and  the  captain's  gig, — the  former  for  the  band  and  the 
latter  for  the  "  shoulder-straps." 

The  crew  were  in  their  hammocks  and  asleep,  but  not  so  the  com 
mander,  Captain  Fyfe,  a  splendid  specimen  of  humanity,  six  feet  in  his 
stockings,  if  an  inch — a  handsome,  swarthy,  robust,  dare-devil  sea-captain 
of  the  regular  service. 

The  officers  of  the  vessel  had  now  assembled  in  the  cabin,  and  the 
immediate  programme  may  be  easily  guessed.  Music,  wine  and  song 
ruled  the  hour;  there  was  indeed  "  a  sound  of  revelry  by  night." 

Captain  Fyfe  felt  "mellow,"  and  hurled  his  jokes  at  the  volunteer 
service  generally;  as  though  volunteers  on  land  or  sea  were  a  sort  of  non 
descript  when  compared  with  "  regulars." 

The  band,  being  his  guests,  threw  aside  rigid  formality,  and  parried 
his  thrusts  freely;  in  fact,  all  in  the  cabin  appeared  to  have  ignored  or 
forgotten  the  existence  of  such  a  thing  as  rank  for  the  time. 

Suddenly  a  gong  sounded,  and  all  hands  beat  to  quarters.  The  men 
sprang  from  their  hammocks  and  rushed  to  their  respective  posts,  armed 
for  action,  in  a  moment  of  time.  We  "  land-lubbers  "  thought  that  an  attack 
had  certainly  been  made  on  the  line,  not  having  noticed  the  captain  secretly 
and  quietly  giving  the  command  to  "beat  to  quarters"  a  few  minutes 
previously. 

We  were  assigned  a  place  on  the  larboard  bow;  while  a  platoon  of 
sailors  with  cutlasses  lined  the  starboard  wheel-house  and  gunwales,  sup 
ported  by  a  platoon  of  musketeers  in  the  rear. 

Captain  Fyfe,  jolly  enough,  raised  his  trumpet  to  his  lips  and  gave 
the  command,  "Repel  boarders!"  which  rang  out  on  the  frosty  midnight 
air  like  a  clarion;  then  in  succession  came  the  commands,  "Fire!"  "Board 
with  cheers!!"  At  the  second  command  a  volley  of  musketry  shook  the 
vessel,  and  the  report  resounded  for  miles  around,  through  Federal  and 
rebel  camps  alike.  The  next  command  was  heartily  responded  to  by  the 
jolly  tars  with  echoing  and  re-echoing  cheers.  It  was  with  difficulty  that 
the  captain  was  restrained  by  Dr.  Clark  from  firing  his  heavy  broadside 
Dahlgren  guns. 

The  band  looked  on  in  amazement,  just  realizing  the  fact  that  all 


246  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

these  noisy  and  alarming  proceedings  with  an  imaginary  rebel  craft  were 
for  our  surprise  and  entertainment. 

Soon  the  ship  was  hailed  from  the  shore  and  a  cutter  came  alongside 
conveying  an  aid  from  General  Weitzel,  commanding  all  the  forces  in  that 
vicinity.  The  officer  stepped  on  deck  and  said: 

"The  Major-General  commanding  sends  his  compliments  to  Captain 
Fyfe,  and  desires  to  know  the  cause  of  this  alarm  and  firing." 

"  Captain  Fyfe  responded:  "  Give  General  Weitzel  my  compliments; 
tell  him  I'm  at  the  top  of  my  profession,  and  have  such  a  lot  of  d — d  green 
Ohio  volunteer  recruits  on  this  vessel  that  I  sometimes  have  to  drill  'em  all 
night;  also  say  to  your  superior  officer  that  I  have  instructions  from  the 
Navy  Department  to  drill  my  men  whenever  I  choose,  and  d — n  me  if  I 
don't  do  it!  Good  morning,  sir." 

Our  band  boys  saw  the  "  situation  "  at  once  and  took  leave  of  Cap 
tain  Fyfe  for  the  shore,  where  we  felt  safer,  and  soon  were  toddling  back 
to  camp  over  four  miles  of  corduroy  road,  and  reached  our  bunks  just 
before  sunrise.  The  following  day  the  New  York  papers  reported  "  heavy 
firing  was  heard  last  night  near  Deep  Bottom.  Troops  were  put  in  the 
trenches  and  awaited  an  attack  until  daylight." 

The  affair  was  signalled  and  telegraphed  to  General  Grant's  head 
quarters  at  City  Point,  and  we  afterwards  learned  that  Captain  Fyfe  was 
arrested,  tried  by  court-martial,  and  finally  sent  with  the  "  Hunchback  " 
out  of  the  James  to  the  coast  of  Hatteras,  with  loss  of  pay  for  six  months. 

So  much  for  the  spree  and  Captain  Fyfe's  entertainment  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth  band. 

The  boys  often  chuckle  over  the  sensation  of  which  they  were  the 
authors. 

February  19th,  we  at  the  hospital,  not  having  much  to 
do  except  making  "  sectio  cadaveris"  of  the  dead  who  were 
brought  to  us  with  a  new  malady  called  "  spotted  fever," 
which  takes  men  off  suddenly,  turned  our  attention  to  remov 
ing  a  bullet  from  the  hip  of  Surgeon  Eichardson's  horse 
where  it  had  remained  since  May  16th,  1864.  The  horse 
was  cast  and  the  bullet  removed,  and  it  is  presumed  that 
the  poor  brute  felt  grateful. 

During  the  evening  a  large  body  of  "  rebels "  came 
within  our  lines,  consisting  of  two  colonels,  six  captains,  and 
two  hundred  and  fifty  enlisted  men.  They  all  deserted  in  a 
body.  They  expressed  themselves  as  having  no  confidence 
in  the  success  of  their  arms ;  that  the  Confederacy  was  built 
upon  sand,  and  the  tidal-wave  that  Grant  and  Sherman 


EXECUTION   OF  A   DESERTER.  247 

were  sending  was  fast  crumbling  the  whole  fabric  of  their 
superstructure. 

February  21st,  official  news  came  of  the  occupation  by 
our  forces  of  Branchville,  Columbia  and  Charleston,  S.  C., 
and  at  twelve  o'clock  one  hundred  guns  were  fired  along  our 
lines.  The  Eichmond  papers  of  that  date  acknowledged  the 
fact  of  the  surrender  of  these  places,  and  they  seemed  to 
know  that  the  "bogus  Confederacy"  was  fast  falling. 

Day  after  day  succeeded  with  unvarying  uniformity— 
the  same  duties  to  be  performed  at  the  front,  in  camp,  and 
elsewhere.  In  fact,  life  was  monotonous,  and  we  all  wanted 
a  change.  To  be  sure  there  was  novelty  enough  in  the 
•  varied  circumstances  that  were  daily  occurring  to  keep  us 
from  brooding,  but  we  were  in  haste  for  active  service  to 
commence  that  we  might  finish  the  work  so  near  completion 
and  return  to  our  homes. 

During  the  long  winter  in  camp  we  had  been  comfort 
ably  housed  and  provided  for.  The  daily  routine  of  duty 
was  made  as  pleasant  as  possible,  and  there  was  ample  time 
and  opportunity  for  amusements  and  social  interchanges, 
and  we  made  many  valuable  friendships  with  officers  and 
enlisted  men  from  all  parts  of  the  Union.  The  paymaster 
did  not  forget  us,  and  came  regularly  through  the  winter 
bringing  the  "promises  to  pay"  of  "Uncle  Sam,"  and  his 
arrival  was  always  the  anticipated  event  of  all,  the  sutler 
especially.  After  pay  day,  old  scores  were  settled,  furloughs 
applied  for  and  granted,  and  games  of  "  draw  poker,"  "  seven 
up,"  etc.,  indulged  in  by  many  without  limit,  and  "every 
thing  was  lovely  "  for  a  short  time. 

March  llth,  the  division  was  again  called  out  to  witness 
the  execution  of  a  soldier  who  had  been  guilty  of  deserting 
to  the  enemy.  He  had  been  tried,  found  guilty,  and  was 
sentenced  to  be  shot  to  death  with  musketry.  The  day 
previous  two  others  had  been  shot  for  a  like  offense,  and 
others  were  yet  to  follow  if  they  were  not  pardoned. 


248  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

The  division  was  formed  in  hollow  square,  and  in  one 
corner  a  grave  was  dug  and  a  coffin  placed  near  it.  After 
all  was  in  readiness  the  man,  who  belonged  to  a  New  York 
regiment — a  bounty- jumper  and  a  most  reckless  piece  of 
humanity — was  brought  forward  and  commanded  to  kneel 
on  his  coffin.  After  his  arms  had  been  secured  and  his  eyes 
bandaged,  a  firing  party  consisting  of  twenty-four  men  in 
two  platoons  was  marched  up  to  within  six  paces  of  the 
victim,  and  when  the  signal  was  given  by  the  command 
ing  General,  the  officer  in  command  of  the  firing  party 
gave  the  order,  First  platoon!  make  ready!  aim!  fire!!  and 
twelve  muskets  belched  forth  a  volley  that  completely 
riddled  the  man.  Dr.  Barlow,  Sixty-Second  Ohio,  and  Dr. 
Clark  stood  within  three  paces  of  him,  and  when  the  orders 
were  given  we  watched  the  man  closely,  but  not  the  least 
tremor  or  motion  could  be  detected  except  the  nervous 
twitching  of  some  of  the  facial  muscles. 

Immediately  after  the  volley  the  surgeons  went  to  the 
man,  or  rather  the  corpse,  to  see  if  life  were  extinct.  The 
firing  party  had  done  their  work  well.  We  found  that  nine 
bullets  had  penetrated  the  body — two  through  the  heart; 
six  within  a  circumference  of  four  inches  of  it;  and  one 
through  the  brain.  When  the  volley  was  fired  the  man 
jumped  up  and  backward  at  least  four  feet.  If  the  volley 
that  was  fired  had  not  done  the  work,  the  other  platoon 
behind  would  have  finished  it,  as  was  necessary  on  the  day 
previous  when  the  two  that  we  have  mentioned  were  exe 
cuted.  One  of  the  men  was  killedx  the  other  only  wounded, 
and  it  was  necessary  to  put  him  in  position  again. 

We  have  often  tried  to  conjecture  what  the  feelings  of 
that  man  wrere  when  he  was  made  to  kneel  on  the  coffin  that 
was  to  enclose  him,  and  near  the  grave  that  was  to  contain 
him,  and  especially  when  he  heard  the  sharp  and  decisive 
commands  that  were  so  soon  to  send  him  011  his  last  journey. 
They  must  have  been  terrible  beyond  expression. 


2.     GENERAL  Q.  A.  GILMORE. 
5.     GENERAL  JAMES   SHIELDS. 


1.     GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 
3.     GENERAL  S.  R.  CURTIS. 
6.     COL.  JOSHUA  B.   HOWELL. 


4.     GENERAL  GEO.  C.  STRONG. 
7.     GENERAL  DAVID  HUNTER. 


CHAPTEE  XVIII. 


Another  Review  by  General  Grant  and  Ladies — General  Grant  at  the 
Hospital — How  he  Looked— Still  Another  Review— Feeling  Like 
"  Green  Bay  Trees  "—Orders  to  Prepare  to  Move — A  Clearing  Out — 
General  Sheridan  Arrives — March  All  Night — Major  Plimpton's 
Description  of  Movements  and  Battles  from  March  27th  to  April 
9th— General  Osborn's  Official  Report — Something  About  the  Doctors 
— Statistics — Ride  Into  Petersburg — Negroes  and  Massa  Linkum — 
Forward  to  Appomattox— The  Surrender — War  Practically  Ended — 
Visit  the  Rebel  Camp  —  Osborn  Gets  a  Horse — Relic-Hunters — 
General  Lee  Departs — His  Last  Order. 


1V/r AKCH  12th,  1865,  the  First  and  Second  Divisions  of  the 
Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps,  under  the  command  of 
General  John  Gibbons,  the  only  representatives  of  the  Corps 
in  the  Army  of  the  James,  were  reviewed  by  General  Grant. 
A  large  number  of  ladies  in  carriages  were  present;  also 
many  notables  from  Washington. 

General  Grant  had  a  numerous  and  brilliant  staff  with 
him ;  the  day  was  fine  and  the  troops  were  in  excellent  spirits 
and  trim.  Our  brigade,  in  command  of  Brevet  Brigadier- 
General  Osborn,  elicited  much  admiration  for  their  soldierly 
bearing  and  behavior,  and  was  commented  upon  much  to  its 
advantage.  The  balance  of  the  division  appeared  fully  as 
well  and  the  occasion  was  one  of  satisfaction  to  all  con 
cerned. 

March  17th  General  Grant  and  staff,  on  their  way  to  the 
front,  stopped  at  the  hospital.  The  General  dismounted  and 
came  forward  unattended  and  was  met  by  the  writer.  He 
stated  that  he  wished  to  write  some  dispatches  and  requested 
the  favor  of  using  the  desk  for  the  purpose.  He  remained 

249 


250  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

for  nearly  half  an  hour,  writing  several  orders,  and  after 
inquiring  for  the  nearest  telegraph  station  took  his  departure. 
While  he  was  seated  at  the  desk  we  had  an  excellent  oppor 
tunity  to  observe  the  Commander-in-chief  of  the  armies  of 
the  United  States.  He  wore  his  uniform  coat  unbuttoned;  a 
slouch  hat  encircled  with  a  gilt  cord;  but  had  no  sash  or 
sword  on  his  person.  He  was  not  arrogant,  conceited  or  at 
all  formal  in  speech  or  manner;  and  to  one  ignorant  as  to 
who  he  was  and  the  position  he  occupied,  and  not  bearing 
the  insignia  of  his  rank,  he  would  have  passed  for  some 
ordinary  mortal  connected  perhaps  with  the  commissary  or 
quartermaster's  department.  His  face  wore  a  look  of  anxiety, 


CHAPIN'S  BLUFF,  VA. 

but  withal  there  was  an  expression  of  satisfaction  noticeable, 
as  if  affairs  were  progessing  in  the  right  channel.  We  looked 
upon  this  man,  who  was  burdened  with  so  great  a  responsi 
bility  and  on  whom  the  hopes  of  a  great  nation  were  centered, 
with  feelings  approaching  to  awe  and  wonder  as  well  as 
admiration,  and  heartily  wished  him  God-speed  in  his  efforts 
to  crush  the  great  rebellion.  Before  the  General  took  his 
leave  he  asked  for  a  drink  of  water,  which  was  given.  After 
he  was  gone  an  officer  who  had  been  present  wished  to  know 
why  he  was  not  given  something  stronger,  as  he  looked  tired 
and  dusty;  but  we  felt  somewhat  diffident  in  the  matter, 
although  having  seriously  thought  of  doing  so. 


FEELING   LIKE   GREEN  BAY    TREES: 


251 


After  dinner  we  rode  to  the  front  to  witness  another 
grand  review  of  the  "Army  of  the  James"  by  General 
Grant,  Secretary  Stanton,  Secretary  Seward,  Generals  Ord 
and  Gibbons,  and  there  was  also  present  a  large  number  of 
ladies. 

In  the  evening  we  received  a  visit  from  Generals  R.  S. 
Foster,  commanding  the  First  Division;  Thos.  O.  Osborn, 


PONTOON  BRIDGE — JONES'  LANDING. 

commanding  the  First  Brigade ;  and  Colonel  Dandy  of  the 
One  Hundredth  New  York  Volunteers.  They  expressed 
themselves  as  well  pleased  with  the  review  and  the  compli 
ments  that  had  been  paid  the  troops  under  their  command, 
and  as  Colonel  Dandy  expressed  it,  "were  feeling  like  green 
bay  trees!"  but  after  being  introduced  to  the  several  varieties 
of  Surgeon  Richardson's  "  milk  punch  "  it  was  difficult  to 
say  how  they  felt;  possibly  they  felt  as  if  a  cyclone  had 


"252  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

struck  them,  for  they  gathered  themselves  together  and 
silently  rode  away. 

March  21st  orders  came  to  prepare  for  a  move,  and  we 
were  directed  to  turn  over  tents  and  camp  equipage.  The 
sick  and  disabled  were  to  be  examined  and  sent  away,  and 
everything  betokened  forced  marches  and  lively  times  for 
the  Army  of  the  James.  Four  hundred  sick  and  disabled 
were  sent  to  hospital  at  Fort  Monroe. 

March  26th  General  Sheridan  with  his  cavalry  arrived 
and  crossed  the  James  river  at  Deep  Bottom.  President 
Lincoln  also  came  and  reviewed  the  First  Division,  Tenth 
Corps. 

March  27th  the  order  came  to  move,  and  the  troops 
marched  out  of  their  winter  quarters  fresh  and  active  at 
sundown.  We  were  in  motion  all  night  and  part  of  the  suc 
ceeding  day,  making  forty  miles,  and  reached  the  extreme 
left  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and  expected  to  remain  in 
the  place  of  the  Second  Corps,  but  on  the  29th  were  again 
ordered  to  move. 

Here  again  is  introduced  the  narrative  of  Captain 
Homer  A.  Plimpton,  commanding  regiment  at  the  time, 
which  fully  describes  the  movements  and  operations  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth  from  the  27th  of  March  to  the  surrender  of 
Lee  at  Appomattox  April  9th,  1865.  There  is  also  presented 
the  official  report  of  Brevet  Brigadier-General  Osborn,  who 
commanded  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  Twenty- 
Fourth  Army  Corps. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  A  LETTER  WRITTEN  NEAR  RICHMOND,   VA., 
APRIL  28-TH,  1865. 

When  we  crossed  the  James,  which  was  on  the  night  of  the  27th  of 
March,  we  marched  to  the  defenses  on  Grant's  left,  which  we  occupied, 
while  the  Second  and  Fifth  Corps,  with  Sheridan's  cavalry,  moved  farther 
to  the  left  to  initiate  the  long  talked  of  movement  which  was  to  wrench 
the  strongholds  of  Petersburg  and  Richmond  from  the  grasp  of  the  enemy. 

The  Sixth  and  Ninth  Corps  broke  the  enemy's  line  on  the  morning 
of  the  2d  hist.,  when  we  were  called  upon  to  hasten  to  the  assistance  of  the 


THE  ASSAULT    OF  FORT   GREGG.  253 

Sixth  Corps,  the  principal  part  of  which,  after  breaking  through  the  works, 
had  swung  to  the  right  towards  Petersburg. 

Our  Division,  the  First,  commanded  by  General  R.  S.  Foster,  of 
Indiana,  went  through  the  line  on  the  double-quick,  and  passed  the  Sixth 
Corps,  charged  two  of  the  enemy's  redoubts,  capturing  them  ana  turning 
the  guns  upon  the  flying  foe.  We  advanced  to  within  a  short  distance  of 
a  stronghold  or  work  called  Fort  Gregg,  where  the  enemy  made  a  bold 
stand.  This  was  a  key  to  all  the  forts  about  Petersburg,  and  its  capture 
necessitated  the  fall  of  the  city,  as  well  as  of  Richmond. 

Fort  Gregg  commanded  five  other  forts.  It  was  built  upon  a  high 
prominence,  the  country  about  it  open,  affording  no  covering.  It  was 
an  enclosed  fort;  surrounding  it  was  a  ditch  ten  or  twelve  feet  deep  and 
same  in  width.  It  was  garrisoned  with  nearly  five  hundred  picked'  men 
who  swore  to  hold  the  fort  against  all  odds  or  die  in  the  attempt.  General 
Lee  visited  the  fort  about  two  hours  prior  to  our  arrival  and  exhorted  them 
to  hold  it  at  all  hazards,  for  the  salvation  of  Petersburg  and  the  safety  of 
Richmond  depended  upon  the  fate  of  that  fort;  and  nobly  did  they 
endeavor  to  carry  out  his  instructions,  but  it  was  all  in  vain.  They  were 
not  counting  on  meeting  with  Western  men  in  the  coming  conflict. 

Our  brigade,  composed  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  Sixty-Second 
and  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  was  soon  in  position  in  line  of  battle,  ready  to  try  its 
mettle.  At  the  command,  Forward!!!  away  we  went  for  the  fort.  As  soon 
as  we  started,  the  enemy  arose  from  behind  their  parapets,  where  they  had 
been  compelled  to  keep  down  by  our  sharpshooters,  and  poured  into  our 
ranks  a  destructive  fire  of  musketry  and  grape,  which  mowed  down  our  men 
most  unmercifully;  but  we  faltered  not.  On  we  went;  we  reached  the  ditch, 
the  Thirty-Ninth  reaching  it  first,  and  was  first  in  planting  her  colors 
upon  the  fort;  and,  by  the  way,  our  colors  are  to  be  sent  to  Washington  to 
have  an  eagle,  cast  for  the  purpose,  placed  upon  them,  by  our  corps  com 
mander,  General  Gibbons,  in  honor  of  the  event.  Into  the  ditch  we  plunged; 
it  was  there  we  encountered  a  difficulty  unforeseen  when  we  started.  The 
steepness  and  slippery  nature  of  the  sides  of  the  fort  for  a  time  rend 
ered  futile  all  our  efforts  to  scale  them.  The  excitement  which  now  pre 
vailed  beggars  description.  The  men  were  nearly  frantic  in  their  attempts 
to  gain  the  top  of  the  works.  The  enemy  continued  to  fire  grape  and 
minie  balls  at  all  who  attempted  to  come  to  our  assistance.  It  was  only  by 
digging  footholds  with  bayonets  and  swords  that  we  were  enabled  to  work 
our  way  up  inch  by  inch,  fighting  all  the  time.  We  finally  gained  the  top 
of  the  parapet,  and  now  the  fighting  was  hand-to-hand,  and  continued  for 
twenty-four  minutes  by  the  watch.  It  was  the  first  time  since  entering  the 
service  that  I  ever  thought  it  necessary  to  use  my  revolver  in  battle;  this 
time  I  made  good  use  of  it,  as  I  stood  near  our  colors  and  fought  the  enemy 
on  the  parapet.  I  was  one  of  the  first  of  the  officers  to  enter  the  fort,  and 
was  not  even  touched  by  the  missiles  flying  on  all  sides  of  me.  When  we 


254  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


THE  ASSAULT  OF  FOBT  GEEGG,  APEIL  2,  1865. 


PETERSBURG   ABANDONED.  255 

rushed  over  the  top  the  sight  was  truly  terrific — dead  men  and  the  dying 
lay  strewn  all  about,  and  it  was  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  we  could 
prevent  our  infuriated  soldiers  from  shooting  down  and  braining  all  who 
survived  of  the  stubborn  foe.  Not  a  rebel  escaped;  those  not  killed  were 
captured. 

Immediately  after  the  capture  of  Fort  Gregg,  two  others  near  by 
were  evacuated.  And  during  the  night  succeeding  this,  Petersburg  was 
abandoned;  and  no  sooner  did  we  hear  of  that  than  the  announcement  ran 
along  our  line  that  Richmond,  too,  was  ours,  and  Lee's  army  was  on  the 
retreat  for  Lynchburgh. 

Our  brigade  and  division  gained  quite  a  reputation  in  this  brilliant 
affair  of  Fort  Gregg.  It  was  witnessed  by  thousands  of  spectators  in  both 
armies,  who  crowded  the  surrounding  hills  and  house-tops;  and  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  stands  No.  1  in  the  brigade. 

Out  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  the  number  I  took  in  of  my  regi 
ment,  the  balance  being  on  picket  duty  at  the  time,  sixteen  were  killed 
outright  and  forty-five  wounded;  six  of  whom,  I  understand,  have  since 
died.  They  lie  buried  where  they  fell. 

It  hath  appeared  good  in  the  eyes  of  the  commanding  generals  to 
reward  your  friend  the  writer  for  what  they  were  pleased  to  denominate 
"gallantry  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Gregg."  At  least  my  brigade  commander 
informed  me,  soon  after  the  affair  was  over,  that  my  name  had  been  sent 
on  to  Washington  to  the  War  Department,  with  a  recommendation  for 
Brevet-Major,  and  also  to  the  Governor  of  Illinois,  for  the  regular  com 
mission  as  Major  in  my  regiment. 

Of  our  marches  and  fightings  from  Petersburg  to  Appomattox  Court 
House  where  we  compelled  General  Lee  and  his  army  to  surrender  on  the 
9th  inst.,  it  would  run  my  letter  out  to  too  great  length  to  give  you  a  full 
account.  Suffice  it  to  say,  our  Corps,  the  Twenty-Fourth,  followed  the 
route  along  the  Southside  railroad,  marching  day  and  night,  skirmishing 
with  the  enemy  wherever  he  would  make  a  stand.  It  was  by  this  rapid 
marching,  some  days  without  stopping  for  meals  or  sleep,  that  we  suc 
ceeded  in  getting  around  in  Lee's  front  and  heading  him  off  at  Appomattox 
Court  House  about  twenty-two  miles  from  Lynchburg. 

Our  Division  was  in  the  lead  of  all  of  the  infantry  when  we  arrived  at 
that  place,  and  our  brigade  in  the  advance  of  the  division,  and  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  in  the  advance  of  the  brigade. 

We  did  not  arrive  upon  the  scene  of  conflict  five  minutes  too  soon — 
Lee's  advance  was  steadily  pushing  Sheridan's  cavalry  back,  which  he  was 
determined  to  do  before  we  could  get  up.  General  Sheridan  sent  word 
back  to  us  for  instant  assistance.  We  arrived  on  the  ground  at  the  double- 
quick  and  immediately  flew  into  line  of  battle,  six  companies  of  my  regi 
ment  being  thrown  out  as  skirmishers.  A  narrow  strip  of  timber  concealed 
us  from  the  advancing  rebels.  As  soon  as  we  formed  we  emerged  from 
the  woods  with  a  regular  Western  yell,  pouring  a  volley  into  the  astonished 


256  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

rebels.  At  our  first  fire  they  halted  and  seemed  to  be  dumbfounded,  and 
as  they  saw  the  long  line  of  blue-coats  continuing  to  emerge  from  the 
woods  they  began  to  falter,  and  soon  to  break,  and  as  we  continued  to 
advance,  firing  at  every  step,  away  they  went  in  all  directions,  over  the 
Jplls  and  down  the  gullies.  I  never,  since  entering  the  service,  saw  such  a 
general  "  skedaddle.'11  It  was  our  sudden  appearance  directly  across  their 
only  avenue  of  escape,  and  that  right  in  their  immediate  front,  that  told 
them  that  their  doom  was  sealed. 

We  had  not  advanced  over  a  quarter  of  a  mile  after  the  flying  rabble 
ere  the  announcement  ran  along  our  line  like  wild-fire,  "  Lee  has  surren 
dered!  The  white  flag  was  sent  out  from  his  army  in  front  of  our 
division." 

It  is  useless  for  me  to  attempt  to  give  a  description  of  the  scene  that 
followed  the  tidings.  The  tears  rushed  to  my  eyes—  my  heart  was  too  full 
for  utterance.  There  I  stood  at  the  head  of  my  regiment  on  the  very 
ground  where  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  made  up  of  the  flower  of  the 
so-called  Confederacy,  led  by  their  pet  General,  Robert  E.  Lee,  was  com 
pelled  to  surrender  by  our  brave  boys.  It  was  to  accomplish  this  very  end 
that  they  had  left  home  and  friends,  and  perilled  their  lives  time  and  time 
again;  and  oh!  how  many  of  them  are  now  sleeping  the  soldier's  long,  long 
sleep,  unmindful  of  this  great  achievement!  Here  we  recognized  the  end  of 
this  wicked  rebellion,  and  you  may  be  sure  gratitude  filled  our  hearts  when 
we  contemplated  this  grand  result  of  all  our  toils,  our  hard  marches,  hard 
fightings  and  exposures. 

I  saw  General  Lee  when  he  took  his  leave  of  General  Grant  after  the 
papers  were  all  signed,  and  I  watched  the  countenance  of  our  gallant  chief 
tain  as  he  came  away,  and  I  shall  never  forget  it.  It  was  beaming  with  a 
smile  of  satisfaction;  and  as  he  raised  his  hat  when  passing  one  of  our 
sentinels  who  presented  the  proper  salute,  I  knew  that  he  did  it  as  a  mark 
of  homage  to  the  noble  boys  who  had  so  gloriously  accomplished  this 
great  work. 

We  left  Appomattox  Court  House  on  the  16th  and  arrived  at  this 
place  on  the  25th  inst.  It  was  when  we  were  on  the  march  back  that  we 
were  shocked,  yea  horrified  by  the  tidings  of  the  death  of  our  beloved 
President — killed  by  the  cowardly  hand  of  an  assassin.  Deep  and  revenge 
ful  was  the  indignation  of  the  army  when  the  truth  was  known.  Emblems 
of  mourning  meet  the  eye  on  all  sides.  We  never  knew  the  depth  of  our 
love  for  that  noble  man  until  we  heard  of  his  cruel  murder. 

This  morning  we  heard  of  the  death  of  the  assassin. 

'•  Vengeance  is  mine,  and  I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord."  Amen.  So 
let  it  be. 


OFFICIAL   REPORT   OF  COL.    OSBORN.  257 

OFFICIAL  REPORT  OF  COLONEL  OSBORN. 

HEADQUARTERS  FIRST  BRIGADE, 
FIRST  DIVISION,  TWENTY-FOURTH  ARMY  CORPS. 

APPOMATTOX  C.  H.,  April  14,  1865. 
Major  P.  A.  Davis,  A.  A.  G. 

Major, — I  have  the  honor  to  forward  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  this  Brigade  since  leaving  the  north  bank  of  the  James. 

The  brigade,  preceded  by  a  battalion  of  sharpshooters  under  com 
mand  of  Captain  Curtis,  moved  from  camp  on  the  New  Market  road  at 
6:45  P.M.  March  27,  1865,  crossing  the  James  river  at  Deep  Bottom  at 
eleven  P.M.;  crossed  the  Appomattox  at  Broadway  landing  at  daylight, 
halting  about  two  hours,  a  mile  beyond,  for  breakfast.  Marched  during  the 
day  towards  Hatcher's  Run  on  the  left,  bivouacking  for  the  night  near 
Humphrey's  Station.  At  four  A.M.  March  29th,  1865,  moved  forward  and 
relieved  General  Miles'  (First)  Division  of  the  Second  Army  Corps,  occupy 
ing  his  entire  Division  front  at  three  P.M.  on  the  31st  of  March,  the  Third 
and  Fourth  Brigades  of  this  Division  being  engaged  on  our  left;  our 
pickets  were  strongly  reinforced  in  accordance  with  orders  of  the  Brigadier- 
General  commanding,  and  a  brisk  skirmish  was  commenced  with  the 
enemy's  pickets  which  continued  about  two  hours,  drawing  heavy  reinforce 
ments  to  their  line.  But  two  of  our  men  were  wounded, — one  of  the  Thir 
ty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  and  one  of  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers; 
both  slight. 

Being  relieved  by  a  brigade  of  colored  troops  April  1st,  1865,  at 
seven  p.  M.  I  moved  my  brigade  to  the  left  in  accordance  with  orders, 
reporting  to  the  Brigadier-General  commanding.  Arriving  on  the  ground 
designated,  my  command  was  placed  in  readiness  to  charge.  In  the  mean 
time,  by  direction  of  General  Foster,  I  sent  six  men  forward  to  ascertain, 
if  possible,  the  strength  of  the  enemy,  and  the  nature  of  the  ground  and 
obstructions  intervening  between  our  forces  and  the  enemy's  works;  which 
was  satisfactorily  accomplished,  the  scouts  giving  full  and  reliable  infor 
mation. 

At  five  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  2d  of  April  I  ordered  forward 
one  regiment  of  my  command,  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  by 
direction  of  the  General  commanding,  to  support  the  Third  Brigade  which 
was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy.  At  six  o'clock  A.M.  I  withdrew  the  regi 
ment,  and  in  accordance  with  orders  from  the  Brigadier-General  com 
manding  I  moved  left  in  front  to  the  grounds  of  the  Sixth  Army  Corps,  some 
four  or  five  miles  to  the  right,  nearing  the  front  of  the  Sixth  Corps;  and 
word  having  been  received  that  the  enemy  were  re-occupying  a  portion  of 
the  line  of  works  from  which  they  had  been  driven  early  in  the  morning, 
the  command  "  double-quick  "  was  given.  Passing  through  the  lines  of  the 
Sixth  Corps,  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers  being  in  advance,  I  threw 
them  forward  as  skirmishers  while  the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade  were 
thrown  into  position  "in  echelon"  in  the  following  order:  the  One  Hun- 
17 


258  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

dred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  on  the  right,  their  right 
resting  on  the  line  of  rebel  works;  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  in 
the  center,  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  being  on  the  left.  At  once 
pressing  rapidly  forward  we  drove  the  enemy  from  their  position,  captur 
ing  some  twenty -five  prisoners,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery;  and  turning 
these  guns  upon  the  enemy  moved  forward  until  we  gained  the  hill,  imme 
diately  in  front  of  Fort  Gregg  and  the  chain  of  forts  in  the  interior  line  of 
the  defenses  of  Petersburg,  which  we  found  to  be  strongly  defended  by 
artillery  and  infantry. 

At  this  point  I  halted  my  brigade  and  prepared  to  charge  the  fort. 
The  Third  and  Fourth  Brigades  moving  up  formed  on  my  left  at  fifteen 
minutes  past  twelve  M.  At  one  p.  M.  orders  were  received  to  move  forward 
and  carry  the  enemy's  works.  I  moved  my  command  forward  about  half 
the  distance  in  quick  time  at  "right  shoulder-shift  arms,"  and  having 
passed  a  deep  and  difficult  slough  gave  the  command  to  charge,  when  the 
brigade  with  cheers  swept  up  the  ascent  at  the  double-quick  under  a  terri 
ble  fire  of  grape,  canister  and  minie  balls  tearing  through  the  ranks.  The 
Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  moving  straight  forward  struck  the  angle 
of  the  fort  on  the  left  and  next  the  angle  on  the  road;  the  Sixty-Second 
Ohio  Volunteers  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  striking  this  angle  and  the  angle  still  further  on  the  right, 
swept  around  to  the  rear,  striving  to  gain  an  entrance,  but  it  was  found  to 
be  an  enclosed  fort  admirably  constructed  for  defense.  The  men  rushed 
into  the  moat,  and  clambering  up  the  exterior  slope  fought  hand-to-hand 
across  the  parapet  with  the  enemy,  who  stubbornly  refused  to  surrender, 
although  surrounded  on  all  sides.  The  fighting  lasted  twenty-four  minutes, 
when  we  forcibly  burst  over  the  parapets  and  the  fort  was  ours.  The 
redoubt  on  the  right  of  the  fort  was  also  carried  in  the  charge,  by  a 
portion  of  the  skirmish  line  of  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  assisted 
by  two  companies  which  had  been  detached  from  the  One  Hundred  and 
Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  for  this  purpose,  capturing  a 
number  of  prisoners  together  with  two  cannon  and  five  caissons. 

In  this  assault  on  Fort  Gregg  Captain  Patrick  O.  Murphy  and  First 
Lieutenant  Robert  McMillen,  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers,  were  killed;  as  also  First-Lieutenant  William  Lamb, 
Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers;  Captain  O.  M.  Eddy  and  Captain  Ansil, 
Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers;  Lieutenant  Neil,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois 
Volunteers,  and  Captain  Gregory  and  Captain  Beppus,  Lieutenants  Will 
iams,  Patton  and  Allison,  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers.  Captain  Hitchcock  and  Lieutenant  Murry,  Sixty-Second  Ohio 
Volunteers,  were  wounded.  The  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers  lost  fourteen  enlisted  men  killed  and  sixty  wounded;  the 
Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  three  killed  and  twenty-five  wounded;  the 
Thirty-NHnth  Illinois  Volunteers,  nineteen  killed  and  forty-four  wounded; 
the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  seven  killed  and  fifty-four  wounded. 


FORWARD   TO   APPOMATTOX.  259 

At  eight  A.M.  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  April  the  brigade  moved  at 
the  head  of  the  division,  the  right  in  front,  and  marched  towards  Lynch- 
burgh.  bivouacking  for  the  night  about  eighteen  miles  distant  from  Peters 
burg.  On  the  4th  reached  Wilson's  Station,  halting  at  Ford's  Station  for 
dinner.  On  the  5th,  after  a  long  and  tedious  march  of  twenty-five  miles, 
by  way  of  Nottoway  Court-House,  we  arrived  at  Burke's  Station  at  eleven 
p.  M.  At  one  o'clock  p.  M.  on  the  6th  of  April  we  marched,  in  accordance 
with  orders,  towards  Rice's  Station.  Arriving  there  we  found  the  enemy 
in  heavy  force  throwing  up  intrenchments  at  the  station  to  oppose  us.  In 
accordance  with  orders  from  the  General  commanding,  throwing  forward 
skirmishers,  I  formed  line  of  battle  and  moved  forward  the  Sixty-Second 
Ohio  Volunteers  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers  a  little  to  the  left  and  in  advance  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois 
Volunteers,  which  was  held  in  reserve,  its  right  resting  upon  the  railroad; 
the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  upon  the  right  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois  Volunteers,  the  railroad  intervening,  and  connecting  with  the 
Fourth  Brigade  on  our  right.  I  advanced  my  line  as  far  as  the  Phillips 
House,  nearly  one  mile  southeast  of  the  station,  under  a  severe  shell  and 
musketry  fire,  driving  back  the  enemy.  Halting  at  this  point  we  remained 
during  the  night  sleeping  upon  our  arms. 

In  this  engagement  Lieutenant-Colonel  West  of  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio 
Volunteers  and  Captain  Oliver  C.  Gregory  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety- 
Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  were  wounded.  The  One  Hundred  and 
Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers  lost  also  in  wounded,  three  enlisted 
men;  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  thirteen  enlisted  men;  the  Sixty- 
Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers,  seven  enlisted  men. 

At  six  A.  M.  the  7th  of  April  my  brigade,  advancing  upon  the  enemy's 
works  and  finding  them  abandoned,  moved  out,  taking  the  advance,  follow 
ing  closely  after  the  enemy;  our  skirmishers  under  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  R.  P.  Hughes  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers  constantly  engaging  their  rear,  taking  several  prisoners. 
Crossing  Sandy  river,  where  General  Crooks'  cavalry  division  came  up  on 
our  right,  we  moved  forward  to  Bush  river,  where  we  found  the  enemy 
inclined  to  dispute  the  passage.  By  direction  of  the  General  command 
ing,  I  formed  line  of  battle,  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteers  on  the  right,  its  right  resting  upon  the  left  of  the  road; 
the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers  in  the  center;  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio 
Volunteers  on  the  left;  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  supporting — 
and  moved  forward  to  the  bank  of  the  river,  which  was  impassable  except 
at  the  bridge.  The  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volun 
teers,  being  on  the  right,  was  immediately  thrown  across  the  river,  moved 
to  the  top  of  the  hill,  the  enemy  falling  back  before  them.  Moving  across 
with  the  remainder  of  the  brigade  we  arrived  at  Farmville  at  five  p.  M.,  and 
encamped  for  the  night  on  the  west  side  of  the  town. 

At    six  A.  M.  April  the  8th  the  march  was  resumed,  bivouacking    at 


260 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


twelve  midnight,  having  marched  a  distance  of  thirty-seven  miles.  Moving 
forward  again  at  half-past  three  A.  M.  on  the  9th  inst.,  we  halted  at  six  A.  M. 
for  breakfast.  At  seven  o'clock,  heavy  skirmishing  being  heard  in 
advance  in  the  vicinity  of  Appomattox  Court-House,  my  brigade  moved 
rapidly  forward  to  the  scene  of  action,  arriving  on  the  ground  at  the 
"  double-quick,"  the  cavalry  falling  back  in  confusion;  and  having  thrown 
out  a  portion  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  as  skirmishers,  and 
throwing  my  brigade  forward  into  line,  the  Thirty -Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers 
on  the  right,  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania  Volunteers 
in  the  center,  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers  on  the  left,  the  Sixty- 
Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  in  reserve,  I  charged  with  a  yell  upon  the  enemy, 
giving  them  notice  that  the  old  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps  was  again 
in  their  front.  Moving  forward  at  "  double-quick,"  I  soon  gained  the  edge 
of  the  woods,  where  I  halted  until  the  Third  Brigade  coming  up  extricated 
my  left,  which  had  become  enveloped;  when  I  again  advanced,  driving  the 
enemy  from  the  field,  capturing  one  heavy  piece  of  artillery. 

Changing  direction  by  the  left  flank,  in  accordance  with  orders,  I 
was  passing  the  enemy's  right  when  I  was  ordered  to  halt,  word  having 
been  received  that  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  had  surrendered  to  the 
Army  of  the  United  States. 

In  this  engagement  the  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-Ninth  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers  lost  five  enlisted  men  killed  and  twenty  wounded;  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  one  commissioned  officer  and  six  enlisted  men 
wounded;  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volunteers  lost  one  enlisted  man  killed 
and  six  wounded;  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio  Volunteers,  eighteen  enlisted  men 
wounded.  Two  commissioned  officers  and  thirty-eight  enlisted  men  cap 
tured.  A  consolidated  report  of  casualties  is  herewith  transmitted: 

CONSOLIDATED  REPOET  OF  CASUALTIES  OF  FIBST  BRIGADE,  FIRST  DIVISION, 

TWENTY-FOURTH  AfiMY  COBPS,  FBOM  MABOH  2?TH  TO 

APBIL  9ra,  1865. 


REGIMENTS. 

Com 
missioned 
Officers. 

Enlisted 
Men. 

BEMABKS. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

i 

§ 

Wounded. 

si 
q 

i 
§ 

39th  111.  Vols  
67th  Ohio  Vols 

1 

2 
9 

19 

8 
20 
4 

60 
63 

86 
56 

"i" 

48 

One  man  taken  prisoner. 
Two  C.  O.  and  38  E.  M.  taken  prisoners. 

199th  Pa.  Vols  

2 

6 
1 

"2" 
2 

62d  Ohio  Vols     

Total  

3 

11 

51 

255 

49 

Of  the  endurance  and  patience  of  the  officers  and  men  of  this  com- 


THE   "  DOCTORS."  261 

mand  during  the  tedious  marches,  and  of  their  heroism  and  gallantry  upon 
every  battle-field  I  cannot  speak  too  highly.  I  cannot  close  this  report 
without  speaking  in  high  terms  of  the  officers  of  my  staff,  Captain  Childs, 
Captain  Denny,  Lieutenant  Doud,  and  Lieutenant  Ripple,  for  their  heroic 
conduct. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major, 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  ob'd't  serv't, 

T.  O.  OSBOBN, 

Colonel  39th  III.  Vols.  Com'd'g  Brigade. 
Official  Copy: 

LE  ROY  DOUD,  Li.  and  Actg.  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen'l. 

The  letter  of  Major  Plimpton  and  the  official  report  of 
General  Osborn  have  given  a  full  and  detailed  account  of 
the  operations  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  from  the  27th  of  March 
to  the  9th  of  April.  The  writer  now  goes  back  a  little  and 
takes  up  the  thread  of  his  narrative.  It  will  be  remembered, 
however,  that  he  was  with  the  flying  hospital  of  the  Twenty- 
Fourth  Corps,  and  what  is  said  cannot  very  well  be  disso 
ciated  from  the  operations  of  that  branch  of  the  service. 
In  fact,  it  has  been  the  intention  of  the  writer  to  give  some 
prominence  to  the  medical  service  of  the  army,  which  has 
never  received  the  recognition  that  was  its  due  except  in  the 
"Medical  and  Surgical  History  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion." 
It  was  the  general  impression  that  the  medical  staff  of  the 
army — the  "doctors!"  as  they  were  called,  were  exempt 
from  the  dangers  and  chances  of  war;  but  the  following 
figures  from  the  Surgeon-General's  Report  show  to  the  con 
trary:  Thirty-two  surgeons  were  killed  in  battle;  nine  by 
accidents;  eighty-three  were  wounded  in  action,  of  whom 
ten  died;  four  died  in  rebel  prisons;  seven  of  yellow  fever; 
three  of  cholera;  and  two  hundred  and  seventy-one  of  other 
diseases  incidental  to  camp-life  and  exposures.  The  medical 
staff  as  a  body  were  efficient  and  faithful  in  the  performance 
of  duty;  and  were  actuated  by  the  highest  motives  of 
National  and  professional  pride.  They  not  only  underwent 
the  fatigues  and  exposures  of  the  march  and  the  chances  on 


262  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  field  of  battle,  but  many  of  them  were  also  exposed  to 
the  contagion  of  disease.  Some  idea  of  the  labor  performed 
by  the  medical  department  of-  the  armies  may  be  had  when 
it  is  stated  that  5,825,480  cases  of  wounds  and  disease 
occurred  among  the  white  troops,  and  629,354  among  the 
colored  soldiers. 

The  work  devolving  upon  the  flying  hospital  during 
this  short  but  decisive  campaign  was  enormous.  The  troops 
had  been  engaged  with  the  enemy  almost  every  day  since 
the  27th  of  March.  We  had  stopped  at  eight  different 
points  along  the  line  of  advance  since  leaving  Petersburg 
and  put  up  our  tents,  tables  and  cots,  and  had  cared  for 
twelve  hundred  wounded  men,  and  four  hundred  out  of  this 
number  required  operations.  At  the  time  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia  was  paroled  we  received  two  hundred  of 
the  enemy's  wounded  into  our  care,  and  after  giving  them 
all  the  attention  they  required  sent  them  back  where  they 
could  reach  their  homes  as  soon  as  able.  We  had  been  a 
flying  hospital  in  so  far  as  celerity  of  action  could  make  it. 
No  sooner  was  one  lot  of  wounded  disposed  of,  than  we 
started  onward  again,  keeping  pace  with  the  army. 

We  reached  the  scene  of  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg  in 
time  to  witness  the  return  of  our  victorious  troops,  and  in 
ample  time  to  receive  the  wounded  of  the  First  Brigade. 
After  they  had  been  cared  for,  which  consumed  the  most 
part  of  the  night,  the  writer  rode  into  the  city  of  Petersburg 
to  gratify  a  curiosity  to  see  the  stronghold  that  our  troops 
had  been  pounding  at  for  so  long  a  time  and  at  so  fearful  a 
cost.  On  reaching  the  city  the  first  party  to  encounter  was 
made  up  of  President  Lincoln,  Secretary  Stanton  and  Gen 
erals  '  Grant,  Meade  and  Sheridan.  Little  did  he  think  at 
that  time  that  it  would  be  his  last  look  at  the  noble  Lincoln, 
our  beloved  President.  After  riding  through  the  district 
that  had  suffered  so  severely  from  the  Federal  shot  and 
shell  while  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  witnessing  the 


THE   CONFEDERACY   ON  ITS  LAST  LEGS.  263 

great  destruction  to  property,  he  rode  back  to  quarters 
through  the  almost  deserted  streets  of  the  fallen  city.  The 
only  persons  met  with  were  groups  of  joyous  negroes  who 
seemingly  could  not  repress  their  enthusiasm,  and  they  all 
wanted  to  see  their  great  emancipator  "Massa  Linkum." 

On  getting  back,  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps  was  in 
motion,  advancing  in  the  pursuit  of  Lee's  army.  Cannon 
were  already  booming  at  the  front ;  aids-de-camp  were  hurry 
ing  to  and  fro,  delivering  orders;  batteries  of  artillery  were 
swiftly  wheeling  to  the  front,  and  the  various  regiments  of 
infantry  were  deploying  into  marching  order.  The  scene 
was  grand  and  inspiriting.  The  men  looked  weary  and  worn, 
but  their  spirits  were  jubilant  and  flowing  over  at  the  pros 
pects  before  them  of  soon  ending  the  rebellion. 

At  about  noon  of  April  3d  we  came  across  the  remains 
of  the  brave  Assistant-Adjutant-General  Theodore  Eeed,  of 
General  Ord's  staff,  who  had  been  killed  the  day  previous, 
and  who  had  been  buried  in  a  very  rude  way  by  the  rebels; 
his  feet  protruding  out  of  the  ground.  In  a  short  time  we 
had  his  body  exhumed  and  sent  back,  much  to  the  satisfaction 
of  his  many  friends. 

Thus  we  followed  on.  Occasionally  there  was  a  lively 
brush  with  the  rear-guard  of  Lee's  army,  and  some  quite 
severe  battles  until  Appomattox  Court  House  was  reached 
April  9th,  where  we  set  up  our  tables  for  the  last  time  on 
the  field  of  battle,  and  dressed  the  last  man  wounded  in  the 
finishing  campaign  of  the  war,  belonging  to  the  Twenty- 
Fourth  Army  Corps. 

We  started  out  on  the  preceding  morning,  April  8th,  at 
six  o'clock  A.M.,  and  continued  to  press  forward,  with  an 
occasional  halt  for  rest  and  to  await  the  movements  of  the 
advance-guard,  until  midnight,  when  we  turned  into  a  field 
for  bivouac.  It  was  a  brief  one,  however,  for  at  three  o'clock 
A.M.  the  call  to  "fall  in"  sounded,  and  we  were  soon  in 
motion,  encouraged  and  stimulated  by  the  reports  that 


264  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

reached  us,  to  the  effect  that  Sheridan's  cavalry  was  in  the 
front  and  flank  of  the  enemy,  and  fighting  desperately  to 
arrest  the  progress  of  Lee's  army,  and  the  orders  were  to 
"  hurry  up."  The  boys  were  very  weary  and  foot-sore,  but 
courageously  pressed  onward,  feeling— yes,  knowing  that 
the  Confederates  would  be  forced  to  surrender. 

At  six  o'clock  A.M.  a  halt  was  ordered  for  breakfast,  but 
before  the  coffee  was  ready  orders  came  to  move  forward 
on  the  "double-quick."  Sharp  firing  was  in  progress  at 
the  front,  and  under  this  incitement  the  old  brigade  started 
out  at  a  swinging  gait  and  soon  covered  the  mile  of  distance 
that  separated  them  from  the  advance  of  Lee's  army.  They 
were  immediately  formed  in  line  of  battle  as  they  ran,  with 
the  Thirty-Ninth  in  the  advance  as  skirmishers. 

The  rebels  were  totally  unaware  of  the  presence  of 
infantry,  the  timber  which  we  were  in  hiding  them  from 
view,  but  they  were  soon  apprised  of  the  fact  by  hearing  the 
unmistakable  crack  of  the  Springfield  rifle,  which  was  easily 
distinguished  from  the  cavalry  carbine.  The  surprise  was 
as  complete  as  unexpected,  and  we  had  not  pressed  forward 
on  a  forced  march  of  forty-five  miles  in  the  past  twenty- four 
hours  for  nothing.  The  enemy  stood  their  ground  faith 
fully,  and  even  desperately,  until  either  shot  down  or  taken 
prisoner.  "  At  one  time,"  said  Charles  C.  Hudson,  Company 
E,  "  we  thought  the  rebels  had  gained  an  advantage  and  got 
in  our  rear,  as  we  heard  lively  volleys  of  musketry  in  that 
direction,  but  it  proved  to  be  a  volley  fired  by  a  negro  regi 
ment  to  celebrate  the  news  of  the  surrender  of  the  '  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia,'  which  fact  had  not  yet  reached  us ; 
but  soon  the  welcome  order  '  Cease  firing !'  came  to  us, 
with  the  glad  tidings  that  Lee  was  capitulating." 

Appomattox  Court  House  was  a  town  of  about  two 
hundred  buildings.  It  lay  in  a  valley  which  divided  the 
two  armies.  On  hearing  that  Lee  had  surrendered  it  was 
almost  too  good  news  to  be  believed  all  at  once,  but  later,  on 


LEE'S  SURRENDER. 


265 


riding  out  of  the  timber,  we  saw  the  wagons  of  the  enemy 
perched  on  the  slope  beyond  the  town,  and  little  white  flags 
all  along  their  line.  Negotiations  were  then  pending  between 
Grant  and  Lee  at  McLean's  house  down  in  the  town.  We 
finally  fully  comprehended  what  all  this  scene  meant, — all 
this  quiet.  It  meant  that  the  war  was  practically  at  an  end ; 
it  meant  that  millions  at  our  homes  away  in  the  northland 
were  filled  with  joy  and  thanksgiving.  There  was  as  yet  110 
cheering  or  manifestations  of  feeling,  as  the  terms  of  the 


MCLEAN'S  HOUSE — PLACE  or  LEE'S  SUBBENDEB. 

surrender  were  still  being  considered.  It  was  about  four 
o'clock  P.M.  when  the  capitulation  was  announced.  Even  then 
there  was  no  outbreak  among  the  victorious  soldiers,  flushed 
as  they  were  with  the  greatest  triumph  of  the  war.  Soldier 
grasped  the  hand  of  soldier  in  honest  pride,  and  to  his  honor 
be  it  said,  he  was  not  wanting  in  a  God-like  charity  and 
sympathy  for  the  remnant  of  that  misguided,  fallen  and 
half-starved  army  over  there  on  the  slope  beyond. 

The  writer  rode  over  into  Lee's  camp,  and  mingled  some- 


266  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

what  with  the  poorly-clad  and  emaciated  rebels  who  had 
proved  on  many  occasions  foemen  worthy  of  our  steel.  We 
outnumbered  Lee's  army  three  to  one,  and  such  sorrowful- 
looking  men  and  beasts  we  had  seldom  seen.  Many  of  the 
officers  wished  to  sell  their  horses,  or  any  other  valuables 
they  possessed,  in  order  to  get  the  means  to  return  home. 
One  officer  came  riding  up  to  the  writer,  mounted  on  a 
splendid  thoroughbred  horse,  who  sent  him  to  General 
Osborn,  who  had  no  horse,  "  Old  Mack"  having  been  killed 
while  bearing  the  General  gallantly  forward  to  intercept 
Lee.  "  Old  Mack"  was  so  well  thought  of,  having  been 
with  us  throughout  the  war,  that  almost  martial  funeral 
ceremonies  were  paid  him.  The  General  purchased  that 
horse  of  the  rebel  staff-officer,  and  brought  it  home  with  him. 

On  our  return  to  our  own  camp,  there  was  noticed  a 
large  crowd  of  officers  and  soldiers  surrounding  a  small 
apple  tree  near  the  borders  of  a  small  stream,  and  they  were 
all  busy  in  securing  trophies,  for  they  stated  that  the  tree 
marked  the  spot  where  the  terms  of  surrender  had  been 
decided  upon  by  Generals  Grant  and  Lee ;  and  the  hundreds 
securing  pieces  of  the  bark  and  limbs  believed  it  too,  and 
before  night-fall  that  tree  was  gone — a  victim  to  the  relic- 
hunters.  That  Sunday  Eve,  April  9th,  at  Appomattox  Court 
House,  at  the  vesper  hour,  the  Federals,  in  the  true  spirit 
of  charity,  divided  their  "hard  tack"  bread  with  their  late 
bitter,  uncompromising  and  deadly  foes. 

General  Lee  and  many  of  his  officers  departed  for  their 
homes  that  evening,  and  the  following  is  the  General's  last 
order  to  his  Army  of  Northern  Virginia. 

GENERAL  LEE'S  LAST  ORDER. 

HEADQUABTEES  ABMY  NOBTHEKN  VIBGINIA. 

10th  April,  1865. 
GENEBAL  OBDEBS  No.  9. 

After  four  years  of  arduous  service  marked  by  unsurpassed  courage 
and  fortitude,  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  has  been  compelled  to  yield 
to  overwhelming  numbers  and  resources.  I  need  not  tell  the  brave  sur- 


GEN.  LEE'S  LAST   ORDER.  267 

vivors  of  so  many  hard-fought  battles  who  have  remained  steadfast  to  the 
last,  that  I  have  consented  to  the  result  from  no  distrust  of  them. 

But  feeling  that  valor  and  devotion  could  accomplish  nothing  that 
would  compensate  for  the  loss  that  must  have  attended  the  continuance  of 
the  contest,  I  determined  to  avoid  the  useless  sacrifice  of  those  whose  past 
services  have  endeared  them  to  their  countrymen. 

By  the  terms  of  the  agreement  officers  and  men  can  return  to  their 
homes  and  remain  until  exchanged.  You  will  take  with  you  the  satisfac 
tion  that  proceeds  from  the  consciousness  of  duty  faithfully  performedr 
and  I  earnestly  pray  that  a  merciful  God  will  extend  to  you  His  blessing 
and  protection. 

With  an  unceasing  admiration  of  your  constancy  and  devotion  to 
your  country  and  a  grateful  remembrance  of  your  kind  and  generous  con 
sideration  of  myself,  I  bid  you  an  affectionate  farewell. 

(Signed)         R.  E.  LEE,  General. 
Official: 

D.  D.  PENDLETON,  A.  A.  General. 

After  the  surrender  the  First  Division  of  the  Twenty- 
Fourth  Corps  was  ordered  to  guard,  collect,  and  send  back 
the  war  material  that  had  been  surrendered  by  the  enemy. 
This  duty  occupied  the  attention  of  officers  and  men  until 
the  17th  of  April. 


CHAPTEK  XIX. 


On  to  Richmond! — News  of  the  Assassination  of  the  President— Burdened 
with  Woe — Lincoln's  Favorite  Poem — Reach  Farmville — Entertain 
Ladies — Enter  Richmond — City  of  Richmond — The  King  Dead — 
Where  Does  the  Credit  Belong — Make  Encampment— Duties— Army 
of  the  Potomac  and  Sherman's  Army  Pass  through  Richmondj — Gen 
eral  Terry  Again — Corps  Hospital — General  Grant's  Order — Reporter 
Merriam — Ladies  of  Richmond— Doctor  Mayo — George  Fitzhugh — 
Richmond  Theatre— Grand  Spreads  and  "  Blow  Outs  " — The  Thirty- 
Ninth  Ordered  to  City  Point— Thence  to  Norfolk— Twenty-Fourth 
Corps  Disbanded — Corps  Hospital  Closed— Post  Hospital — "  Ferry 
Point  in  a  Minit" — District  of  Southeastern  Virginia — -Niggers  Want 
the  Earth— Terry's  Order— Muster  Out  of  Service— School  is  Out— 
Go  Home — Reach  Chicago — Springfield — Final  Payments — Exer 
cises  in  the  Chapel— Salute  the  Flags  for  the  Last  Time — Valedictory. 


A  T  five  o'clock,  April  17th,  we  commenced  the  march  to 
Eichmond.  Before  leaving,  however,  the  news  came 
of  the  President's  assassination.  We  could  not  at  first  credit 
the  report;  but  the  telegraph  soon  confirmed  it,  and  when 
we  reached  Burkeville  we  received  news  of  his  death.  It 
would  be  impossible  to  give  expression  to  or  present  a  word- 
picture  of  the  feelings  each  and  all  shared  alike.  A  great 
sorrow  possessed  our  minds  as  we  thought  of  Lincoln  dead! 
he  whom  we  had  so  lately  seen  in  health,  and  so  apparently 
satisfied  that  his  armies  had  at  last  reached  the  "beginning 
of  the  end."  And  to  think  that  the  hand  of  an  assassin 
should  strike  him  down  just  as  the  great  "sun-burst"  of 
victory  was  dispelling  the  gloom  that  had  hung  like  a  pall 
over  the  Nation  for  nearly  four  years !  All  of  our  gladness 
was  gone.  Tears  and  mutterings  of  Revenge  were  seen  and 
heard  on  all  sides.  It  seemed  that  all  hope  had  departed. 
A  few  days  ago  were  the  happiest  of  our  lives,  but  now  the 

268 


B'V'T  MAJOR-GENERAL  THOMAS  O.  OSBORN. 

From  Photograph  Taken  at  Buenos  Ayres,  S.  A.,  while  U.  S.   Minister  to  the 
Argentine   Republic. 


LINCOLN'S  FAVORITE  POEM.  269 

most  sorrowful;  each  felt  as  though  the  loss  was  a  personal 
one.  The  gaily  swinging  "route  step"  of  our  march  on  to 
the  late  rebel  capital  changed  to  the  mournful  cadence  of  a 
funeral  pace.  The  men  of  the  First  Division  were  burdened 
with  woe.  The  President's  death  called  to  mind  some 
stanzas  of  his  favorite  poem. 

"Oh!  why  should  the  spirit  of  mortal  be  proud? 
Like  a  swift  fleeting  meteor,  a  fast  flying  cloud, 
A  flash  of  the  lightning,  a  break  of  the  wave, 
He  passes  from  life  to  his  rest  in  the  grave. 
***.***  *  *  * 

"  The  hand  of  the  king  that  the  sceptre  hath  borne, 

The  brow  of  the  priest  that  the  mitre  hath  worn, 

The  eye  of  the  sage,  and  the  heart  of  the  brave, 

Are  hidden  and  lost  in  the  depths  of  the  grave. 

********  * 

"  'Tis  the  wink  of  an  eye,  'tis  the  draught  of  a  breath, 
From  the  blossom  of  health  to  the  pallor  of  death; 
From  the  gilded  saloon  to  the  bier  and  the  shroud: 
Oh!  why  should  the  spirit  of  mortal  be  proud?" 

That 

"  Heroic  soul,  in  homely  garb  half  hid, 

Sincere,  sagacious,  melancholy,  quaint, 
What  he  endured,  no  less  than  what  he  did, 

Has  reared  his  monument  and  crowned  him  saint." 

We  reached  Farmville  April  19th,  where  the  division 
went  into  camp  for  a  few  days.  The  surgeons  took  pos 
session  of  a  large  building  where  there  were  some  one 
hundred  and  forty  sick  and  wounded  of  the  late  Confederate 
army,  as  well  as  some  of  our  own. 

April  20th,  late  in  the  afternoon,  some  twenty-two 
young  ladies,  escorted  by  Confederate  officers,  who  were  on 
their  way  to  Kichmond,  came  to  us,  seeking  accommodations 
for  the  night,  having  been  sent  by  General  Meade.  They 
were  provided  for  and  entertained  as  well  as  possible  under 
the  circumstances,  and  on  taking  their  departure  the  follow 
ing  morning  confessed  to  having  a  pretty  fair  opinion  of  the 


270  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"  Yankees."     The  string  band  of  the  Engineer  Corps  came 
over  and  gave  them  a  serenade  in  the  evening. 

April  22d,  at  four  o'clock  A.M.,  orders  came  to  move 
forward  to  Richmond,  which  at  last  was  to  be  our  destina 
tion.  The  afternoon  of  April  24th  we  reached  Manchester, 
opposite  Richmond,  and  went  into  camp,  and  where  prepar 
ations  were  made  for  our  triumphal  entry  into  the  capital 
of  the  exploded  Confederacy.  At  nine  A.M.  the  following 
morning  we  crossed  the  James  river  on  the  pontoon  bridge 
and  were  received  by  the  Third  Division  of  our  Corps, 
which  had  been  the  first  of  our  troops  to  enter  the  city  with 
General  Weitzel.  It  was  a  grand  and  imposing  sight  to  see 
the  old  war-worn  veterans  of  the  First  and  Second  Divisions 
of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps  moving  up  Main  street 
with  tattered  banners  flying,  bayonets  gleaming  in  the  warm 
sunlight,  and  the  troops  marching  and  displaying  as  became 
them  when  entering  the  capital  of  the  conquered,  and 
especially  after  we  had  been  so  long  a  time  in  getting  there. 

The  uniforms  of  officers  and  men  were  weather  and 
travel  stained,  but  this  made  little  difference  at  such  a  time; 
all  was  happy  within,  and,  to  the  music  of  the  Union,  the 
"boys"  marched  proudly  and  firmly  over  the  pavements 
of  the  long-sought-for,  long-fought-for,  and  at  last  won!— 
the  late  throne  of  "  Rebeldom,"  Richmond. 

We  passed  up  through  the  city,  between  two  lines  of  the 
Third  Division,  who  "presented  arms"  and  lustily  cheered 
the  heroes  who  had  followed  the  army  of  Lee  to  the  extremity 
of  surrender. 

The  great  victory  that  had  been  achieved  was  mainly 
due  to  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps,  and  the  First  Bri 
gade  of  the  First  Division  of  that  Corps  was  entitled  to  the 
credit  of  being  the  first  infantry  to  intercept  the  army  of  Lee 
which  was  pushing  on  toward  Lynchburg  as  fast  as  possible. 
There  were  no  war  correspondents  for  the  press  with  our 
division  at  the  time,  which  accounts,  probably,  for  the  little 


THE   CITY   OF  RICHMOND.        .  271 

notice  we  received.  From  the  tenor  of  the  dispatches  to  the 
New  York  papers  at  that  date  it  would  appear  that  the  Fifth, 
Sixth  and  Ninth  Corps  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  had 
done  all  the  fighting  and  were  deserving  of  all  the  honors. 

Since  leaving  our  encampment  at  Chapin's  Farm  on  the 
27th  day  of  March,  the  Thirty-Ninth  had  marched  over  two 
hundred  and  fifty  miles;  had  fought  or  participated  in  eight 
engagements  with  Lee's  army,  one  of  which  (the  assault  on 
Fort  Gregg)  had  carried  the  key-point  of  the  defenses  of 
Kichmond,  and  which  rendered  both  Petersburg  and  Eich- 
mond  untenable ;  and  besides,  it  had  out-flanked  the  advanced 
portion  of  the  rebel  army,  compelled  its  surrender,  and  after 
wards  assisted  in  the  disposal  of  the  captured  property. 

The  regiment  went  into  camp  about  two  miles  from  the 
city,  together  with  the  balance  of  the  division,  where  a 
pleasant  encampment  was  made. 

General  Osborn  received  his  commission  as  Brigadier- 
General  here,  and  planted  a  "star"  on  his  shoulders.  Cap 
tain  Plimpton  also  secured  his  commission  as  Major,  and  was 
in  command  of  the  regiment. 

After  we  were  established  in  quarters  we  rode  to  the 
city  to  look  over  the  burnt  district.  It  was  sad  to  behold 
such  a  wanton  destruction  of  property  in  the  business  dis 
trict,  and  to  know  that  it  had  been  caused  by  rabid  and 
lawless  ruffians  who,  in  the  absence  of  the  military  and  under 
no  restraint,  had  fired  the  city  for  the  purpose  of  plunder. 
There  must  have  been  a  fearful  state  of  affairs  in  the  city  of 
Eichmond  in  the  interval  between  the  departure  of  Jeff 
Davis  and  his  minions  and  the  arrival  of  the  Federal  force 
under  General  Weitzel. 

The  city  of  Eichmond,  like  ancient  Eome,  sat  upon 
seven  hills;  and  (to  carry  the  parallel  a  little  further)  like 
Eome,  it  had  fallen.  "  Pompey  "  Davis,  after  having  ex 
hausted  all  his  resources  and  means  for  defense,  had  been 
overcome  by  the  rapidly-moving  columns  of  "Caesar"  Grant, 


272  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

who  had  passed  the  "Rubicon"  (James)  and  created  such 
alarm  that  the  Senate  and  "Pompey  "  Davis  party  abandoned 
the  city,  leaving  all  the  treasure  (that  he  could  not  carry 
away)  behind.  The  great  King  of  the  South  was  politically 
dead  and  buried,  and  we  had  assisted  at  the  funeral  with  as 
joyous  feelings  as  would  well  comport  with  such  a  disaster. 
The  people  of  the  city  seemed  disposed  to  accept  the 
situation  as  graciously  as  possible,  and  extended  to  us,  in 
many  ways,  a  cordial  greeting.  How  honest  it  was  at  that 
time  was  not  questioned. 


LIBBY  PRISON. 

May  5th,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  passed  through  the 
city  on  its  way  to  Washington  for  the  grand  review,  and  to  be 
mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service.  The  Twenty- 
Fourth  Corps  did  the  honors  of  receiving  them.  On  May 
10th  General  Sherman  and  his  army  of  veterans  reached 
Richmond  and  passed  through  on  the  way  to  Washington, 
and  were  also  heartily  received  by  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps. 
All  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  had  turned  out  to  see  them, 
and  were  amazed  at  their  strength  and  equipment,  and  the 
fine  soldierly  appearance  of  officers  and  men.  They  often  re- 


GEN.   ALFRED   H.    TERRY.  273 

marked  that  "they  did  not  see  how  their  army  had  held  out 
so  long  as  it  did,"  having  to  antagonize  such  well-equipped, 
well-fed  and  disciplined  soldiers  as  they  had  seen  pass 
through  Eichmond.  Some  hours  were  occupied  in  their 
passage  through  the  city.  It  was  a  grand  and  imposing 
spectacle  to  witness  these  bronzed  and  hardy  veterans,  some 
sixty  thousand  strong,  fresh  from  the  "  March  to  the  Sea," 
passing  on  homewards  for  "muster  out." 

"  They  were  coining  from  the  wars, 

And  bringing  home  their  scars, 
They  were  bringing  back  the  old  flag,  too,  in  glory ; 

They  have  battled  long  and  well, 

And  let  after  ages  tell 
How  they  won  the  proudest  name  in  song  or  story. 

"  They  have  broken  up  their  camps, 

They  are  laughing  o'er  their  tramps, 
They  are  joking  with  the  girls,  who  flock  around  them; 

They  have  left  the  scanty  fare, 

They  have  left  the  fetid  air, 
They  have  dashed  to  earth  the  prison  walls  that  bound  them. 

"Yes,  they  are  coming  from  the  wars, 

They  are  bringing  back  their  scars, 
They  are  bringing  back  the  old  flag,  too,  in  glory; 

They  have  battled  long  and  well, 

And  let  after  ages  tell 
How  they  won  the  proudest  name  in  song  or  story." 

Our  old  commander,  now  Brevet  Major-General  Alfred 
H.  Terry,  the  "Hero  of  Fort  Fisher,"  was  in  command  of  the 
Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  with  headquar 
ters  at  Eichmond,  and  Brigadier-General  Joseph  E.  Hawley 
was  his  chief -of -staff .  General  Terry  had  been  with  us  since 
July,  1863,  with  the  exception  of  the  interval  when  he  took 
command  of  the  land  forces  in  the  expedition  against  Fort 
Fisher  and  the  subsequent  reinforcing  of  General  Sherman 
at  Ealeigh,  North  Carolina.  Our  "boys"  had  confidence  in 
Terry,  and  he  was  entitled  to  it;  and  besides,  he  had  won 
their  respect  by  his  uniform  kindness  and  courtesy  of  man- 


18 


274 


THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


GEN.  JOHN  GIBBONS. 


REVIEW  BY  GEN.   GIBBONS.  275 

ner.  He  was  a  firm  disciplinarian  but  never  exacted  any 
thing  from  his  command  that  he  was  not  willing  to  share  in. 
He  was  the  friend  of  orderly  and  willing  soldiers  but 
despised  shabbiness  in  either  dress  or  action.  His  figure 
was  commanding,  tall,  and  straight  as  an  arrow;  manner 
dignified,  but  nothing  approaching  austerity;  and  one  could 
seek  his  presence  without  the  fear  of  being  incontinently 
snubbed  in  so  doing. 

Major-General  John  Gibbons  commanded  the  Twenty- 
Fourth  Army  Corps  and  Brigadier-General  Eobert  S.  Foster 
the  First  Division,  while  Brigadier-General  Thomas  O. 
Osborn  was  in  command  of  our  Brigade. 

Soon  after  reaching  Kichmond  a  grand  review  of  the 
Corps  was  held,  and  was  made  the  occasion  for  the  presenta 
tion  of  a  new  flag  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  by  General  Gibbons. 
On  the  standard  was  perched  a  magnificent  bronze  eagle 
which  had  been  especially  ordered  by  him  and  suitably 
engraved,  to  commemorate  the  gallant  conduct  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Ya.,  April  2d,  1865. 

One  of  the  Ohio  regiments  of  the  brigade  was  likewise 
honored  in  the  same  manner. 

This  was  the  last  general  review  before  the  disbanding 
of  the  old  corps,  and  it  passed  off  in  the  most  satisfactory 
manner  to  all  concerned,  and  especially  so  to  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  who  were  proud  as  well  as 
grateful  to  be  honored  in  such  a  complimentary  way  and  in 
so  public  a  manner. 

The  duties  of  the  men  at  Eichmoncl  were  not  excessive 
or  burdensome,  only  such  as  the  exigencies  of  the  situation 
required.  It  was  principally  camp  and  provost-guard  duty 
in  and  around  the  city. 

The  corps  hospital  was  located  at  Camp  Lee,  formerly 
a  camp  of  conscription  and  instruction  for  the  Confederate 
army.  The  buildings  upon  the  ground  had  been  erected 
before  the  war  by  the  State  Agricultural  Society  and  were 


276  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

well  adapted  for  hospital  purposes.  Soon  after  getting 
established,  Miss  Dix,  chief  of  the  Nurse  Department  of  the 
army,  made  us  a*  visit  of  inspection,  and  expressed  herself  as 
well  pleased  with  our  surroundings  and  the  accommodations 
for  sick  and  wounded. 

Surgeon  Simonds,  U.  S.  A.,  was  our  Medical  Director, 
and  is  gratefully  remembered  for  the  interest  he  manifested 
in  the  welfare  of  our  sick  and  disabled  men. 

In  the  early  part  of  June  the  following  General  Order 
was  promulgated,  which  was  congratulatory  and  promissory, 
and  we  looked  forward  to  a  speedy  muster  out  of  service; 
but  we  were  destined  to  remain  yet  longer  in  Virginia  before 
that  much-desired  event. 


WAK  DEPARTMENT, 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  June  2,  1865. 

GENERAL  ORDERS,  NO.  108. 

SOLDIERS  OF  THE  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES:  By  your  patriotic 
devotion  to  your  country  in  the  hour  of  danger  and  alarm — your  magnifi 
cent  fighting,  bravery,  and  endurance — you  have  maintained  the  supremacy 
of  the  Union  and  the  Constitution,  overthrown  all  armed  opposition  to  the 
enforcement  of  the  laws,  and  of  the  Proclamation  forever  abolishing 
SLAVERY — the  cause  and  pretext  of  the  Rebellion — and  opened  the  way  to 
the  rightful  authorities  to  restore  order  and  inaugurate  peace  on  a  perma 
nent  and  enduring  basis  on  every  foot  of  American  soil. 

Your  marches,  sieges,  and  battles,  in  distance,  duration,  resolution 
and  brilliancy  of  result,  dim  the  lustre  of  the  world's  past  military  achieve 
ments,  and  will  be  the  Patriot's  precedent,  in  defense  of  Liberty  and  Right, 
in  all  time  to  come. 

In  obedience  to  your  country's  call,  you  left  your  homes  and  families 
and  volunteered  in  its  defense.  Victory  has  crowned  your  valor  and 
secured  the  purpose  of  your  patriot  hearts;  and  with  the  gratitude  of  your 
countrymen,  and  the  highest  honors  a  great  and  free  nation  can  accord, 
you  will  soon  be  permitted  to  return  to  your  homes  and  families,  con 
scious  of  having  discharged  the  highest  duty  of  American  citizens. 

To  achieve  these  glorious  triumphs,  and  secure  to  yourselves,  your 
fellow-countrymen,  and  posterity  the  blessings  of  free  institutions,  tens  of 
thousands  of  your  gallant  comrades  have  fallen,  and  sealed  the  priceless 


THE  RICHMOND  LADIES.  277 

legacy  with  their  lives.  The  graves  of  these  a  grateful  nation  bedews  with 
tears,  honors  their  memories,  and  will  ever  cherish  and  support  their 
stricken  families. 

U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant- General. 
Official: 

,  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

War  correspondents  for  the  New  York  and  other  papers 
were  still  numerous  around  headquarters,  and  for  the  most 
part  were  jovial  and  interesting  associates.  We  still  bear  in 
memory  William  H.  Merriam,  reporter  for  the  New  York 
Herald,  a  genial  old  soul  done  up  in  a  wrapper  of  adiposity, 
and  who  was  as  broad  as  tall,  and  rolled  and  trundled  about 
in  a  sea  of  humor.  We  had  first  met  him  in  May,  1864,  at 
General  Butler's  headquarters,  when  he  had  a  great  appetite 
for  news  items  of  all  kinds.  He  was  full  of  "wise  saws  and 
modern  instances,"  and  when  he  would  relax  from  his 
sphinx-like  dignity  of  manner  and  expression,  would  enter 
tain  his  friends  with  his  store  of  anecdote  and  adventure, 
containing  so  much  dry  humor  that  it  was  necessary  to  wash 
them  down  with  a  bottle  of  his  imported  (?)  champagne,  that 
he  kept  for  these  especial  occasions.  He  had  his  quarters 
in  the  State  House,  and  seemed  to  be  the  custodian  of  the 
Confederate  archives,  or  what  was  left  of  them,  and  was  con 
stantly  circulating  "  Senate  Journal  Documents  "  among  his 
friends. 

The  Kichmond  ladies,  in  course  of  time,  having  doubt 
less  become  convinced  that  the  "Yankees"  did  not  "  wear 
horns,"  only  drank  them,  began  to  show  themselves  more 
freely ;  and  here  it  may  be  of  interest  to  mention  that  Sam 
Greenbaum,  of  the  band,  was  fortunate  enough  to  secure  a 
wife,  who  he  says  has  been  a  blessing  to  him  ever  since. 
Sam  was  always  on  the  lookout  for  chances. 

Some  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  will  remember  Dr.  Mayo  and 
his  brother,  the  mayor  of  Kichmond,  the  former  of  whom 
gave  the  writer  a  lock  of  hair  from  the  head  of  "  Stonewall " 
Jackson,  who  died  at  Dr.  Mayo's  house.  And  some  will 


278  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

recall  with  pleasant  memories  Governor  Pierpont  and  the 
members  of  his  staff;  also  Drs.  Cabell,  Hancock,  and  others 
who  paid  us  friendly  attention. 

Some  of  you  will  remember  old  George  Fitzhugh,  a 
most  bitter  and  uncompromising  rebel,  who  had  written  sev 
eral  books  in  defense  of  Southern  institutions — "  Sociology 
for  the  South,"  "  Cannibals  All,"  and  others  of  like  stamp, 
-but  who  'now  accepted  the  situation  and  the  favors  of  the 
"  boys  in  blue."  You  will  recall  pleasant  memories  of  the 
Richmond  theatre  and  its  manager,  R.  D'Orsay  Ogden,  and 
Staples,  his  executive,  and  the  actors — Frank  Drew,  Brink, 
Wm.  H.  Leake;  and  the  Misses  Annie  Waite,  Eevell  and 
Tilliiighast;  and  there  will  be  some  remembrance  of  the 
banquet  that  De  Normandie  spread  for  them  one  night  at 
Camp  Lee  when  Generals  Foster  and  Osborii  and  Colonel 
Dandy  honored  the  occasion  with  their  presence.  And  then 
there  was  the  grand  "blow-out"  at  Division  headquarters, 
given  by  Surgeon  A.  C.  Barlow  of  the  Sixty-Second  Ohio, 
acting  Division  Surgeon,  to  the  medical  profession  of  Rich 
mond  as  a  return  for  like  civilities,  and  where  the  extra, 
double  B  commissary  whisky  so  astonished  the  nerves  of  the 
invited  guests  that  they  were  soon  paralyzed  and  laid  out — 
another  "victory!"  establishing  the  superiority  of  Yankee 
whisky  over  that  of  the  F.  F.  Y.'s. 

On  or  about  the  10th  of  July  the  Thirty-Ninth  were 
ordered  to  City  Point,  Ya.,  where  they  remained  for  a 
period  of  three  weeks  doing  guard  duty.  While  there  they 
were  called  upon  to  suppress  a  riot  between  some  cavalry 
soldiers  and  the  negroes,  but  happily  they  were  not  forced 
to  use  their  guns.  From  City  Point  they  proceeded  to  Nor 
folk,  Ya.,  and  reported  to  Brevet  Brigadier-General  O.  L. 
Mann,  who  was  in  command  of  the  Southeastern  District  of 
Yirginia.  General  Mann,  after  recovering  from  the  wound 
received  at  Weir  Bottom  church,  had  been  assigned  to  duty 


THE  REGIMENT  AT  NORFOLK,   VA.  279 

as  provost-marshal  at  Norfolk  and  afterwards  succeeded  to 
the  command  of  the  district. 

August  1st  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps  ceased  to 
be  an  organization,  but  a  sufficient  number  of  troops  were 
retained  at  Eichmond  to  maintain  order  and  await  the  time 
when  the  control  of  the  State  should  be  turned  over  to  the 
civil  authorities,  the  election  for  State  officers  having  taken 
place  on  the  25th  of  July,  which  passed  off  very  quietly. 
The  corps  hospital,  also,  was  soon  closed  out,  and  after  the 
settlement  of  its  affairs  the  writer  reported  to  the  Medical 
Director  for  orders,  and  was  soon  sent  with  orders  to  report 
to  Surgeon  J.  J.  Craven  at  Fort  Monroe,  who  assigned  him 
to  duty  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  as  Chief  Medical  Officer  of  the 
District  and  to  take  charge  of  the  post  hospital,  reaching 
Norfolk  with  hospital  steward  De  Normandie  about  Septem 
ber  6th,  where  he  was  once  again  among  the  members  of  his 
old  regiment.  Affairs  at  Norfolk  were  in  the  control  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth.  The  regiment  were  pleasantly  encamped  in 
the  open  square  of  the  city,  fronting  on  Church  street. 

The  district  was  now  under  the  command  of  Brevet 
Major-General  A.  T.  A.  Torbert,  who  had  succeeded  General 
Mann,  September  4th.  Captain  Myers,  Company  K,  had 
command  of  the  hard-labor  prison ;  Captain  Samuel  Gilmore 
was  acting  as  provost-marshal,  and  afterwards  was  appointed 
on  the  staff  of  General  Torbert  as  Assistant  General  In 
spector;  and  Lieutenant  LeRoy  Doud  was  acting  Assistant 
Adjutant-General  on  Torbert' s  staff. 

The  "post  hospital,  called  DeLamater  Hospital,  was  under 
charge  of  acting  Assistant  Surgeon  W.  F.  Litch,  and  was 
located  in  the  court-house ;  and  when  the  writer  took  posses 
sion  was  in  bad  shape  and  over-crowded.  On  representing 
the  matter  to  General  Torbert,  the  hospital  was  transferred 
to  the  old  Marine  Hospital  situated  on  Ferry  Point,  midway 
between  Portsmouth  and  Norfolk,  after  the  premises  had 
been  inspected  by  Generals  Torbert  and  Mann.  It  was  then 


280  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

in  possession  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau,  and  was  occupied 
as  a  school;  but  it  was  soon  scrubbed  out  and  whitewashed, 
and  made  most  admirable  quarters  for  the  sick  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  and  the  Ninth  Vermont  Infantry,  stationed  at  Ports 
mouth.  Many  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  remember  the  hospital 
and  the  cry  of  "Ferry  Point  in  a  minit!"  of  the  negroes 
who  conducted  the  little  wherryboat  that  ran  hourly  between 
the  hospital  and  Norfolk. 

The  duties  at  Norfolk  were  rather  pleasant  than  other 
wise,  but  we  were  not  contented  or  satisfied.  The  war  was 
finished  and  we  wanted  to  go  home,  having  filled  our  con 
tract  with  the  Government  to  the  very  utmost,  and  we  were 
in  daily  expectancy  of  being  "mustered  out." 

General  Mann  we  remember  as  being  very  pleasantly 
and  comfortably  situated  in  fine  quarters  on  one  of  the 
desirable  residence  streets  near  the  bay,  and  had  his  wife 
with  him.  General  Pennypacker,  who  had  been  seriously 
wounded  at  Fort  Fisher,  was  still  an  invalid,  and  was  located 
nearby,  and  under  the  care  of  Surgeon  D.  K.  Brower.  The 
writer  remembers  both  gentlemen  with  much  satisfaction. 
Dr.  Brower,  prior  to  our  leaving  Norfolk,  went  to  Eichmond 
and  accepted  some  position  under  the  new  State  Government. 

The  District  of  Southeastern  Virginia  embraced  the 
counties  of  Princess  Anne,  Norfolk,  Nansemond,  Southamp 
ton  and  Isle  of  Wight,  and  there  was  a  large  negro  element 
to  be  cared  for  and  kept  at  work.  The  negroes  had  become 
possessed  of  the  idea  in  some  manner  that  on  Christmas  Day 
they  were  each  to  receive  from  the  United  States 'Govern 
ment  large  quantities  of  land,  and  in  consequence  of  this 
impression  many  of  them  refused  to  make  any  contracts  to 
labor  after  Christmas.  In  order  to  correct  this  impression 
General  Terry  issiied  an  order  for  the  detail  of  proper  officers 
to  be  sent  into  every  county,  and  as  far  as  possible  into  each 
neighborhood,  to  explain  that  the  Government  had  no  inten 
tion,  even  if  it  had  the  power,  to  do  anything  of  the  kind. 


"MUSTER    OC7T."  281 

This  entailed  a  great  deal  of  labor,  but  ultimately  saved  a 
great  deal  of  trouble. 

On  December  1st,  orders  were  received  for  the  "  muster 
out"  of  the  Ninth  Vermont  Volunteers.  Prior  to  their 
departure  the  officers  of  that  regiment  gave  a  grand  military 
ball,  and  cordial  invitations  were  extended  to  the  Thirty- 
Ninth,  who  gladly  responded.  The  affair  passed  off  with 
much  satisfaction  and  enjoyment. 

On  the  3d  of  December,  1865,  orders  came  for  the 
Thirty-Ninth  to  prepare  for  "  muster  out."  It  is  quite 
unnecessary  to  add  that  the  tidings  were  received  with  great 
rejoicings.  This  formality  took  place  on  the  afternoon  of 
December  6th,  and  at  night-fall  we  were  safely  on  board  a 
steamer  for  Springfield,  Illinois,  via  Baltimore  and  Chicago. 

On  the  boat,  and  well  assured  that  we  were  on  the  way 
home  to  stay,  everybody  was  jolly  and  happy,  and  the  jollity 
was  long-drawn-out,  lasting  until  we  reached  Baltimore 
early  the  next  morning.  After  breakfasting,  the  regiment 
took  its  place  on  the  train  awaiting  it  on  the  Pennsylvania 
Central  railroad  and  was  soon  speeding  to  Chicago.  The 
journey  was  safe,  comfortable  and  afforded  enjoyment  to  all. 
We  felt  that  at  last  "  school  is  out!" 

At  Chicago  a  bountiful  repast  was  spread  at  Bryan 
Hall  by  the  noble-hearted  ladies  of  the  "  Soldiers'  Aid  Com 
mission."  The  ensuing  morning,  after  breakfast  at  the 
same  place,  we  took  the  cars  for  Springfield,  111.  Our 
march  to  the  cars  was  accompanied  by  cheers  and  shouts, 
the  waving  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs  by  the  loyal  people 
of  Chicago. 

We  reached  Springfield  the  -morning  of  December  9th 
without  the  occurrence  of  anything  worthy  of  mention,  and 
proceeded  to  "Camp  Butler,"  where  we  encamped.  Here 
the  time  was  fully  occupied  in  turning  over  all  government 
property  in  our  possession  and  in  making  out  the  final  dis 
charge  papers  and  pay-roll  of  men  and  officers,  and  on  the 


282  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

16th  of  December  receiving  the  pay  due  from  "Uncle  Sam" 
and  assembling  once  more  together  as  an  organization  be 
fore  Adjutant-General  Haynie  to  surrender  our  war-worn, 
battle-torn  and  well-loved  flags  that  the  regiment  had  car 
ried  through  four  years  and  two  months  of  active  service 

We  met  all  together  for  the  last  time,  soon  to  separate 
in  widely  diverging  paths.  The  following  exercises  took 
place  in  the  chapel. 

The  regiment,  under  command  of  Brevet  •  Brigadier- 
General  O.  L.  Mann,  was  massed  in  the  chapel  of  the  camp, 
where  the  ceremony  of  surrendering  the  flags  of  the  regi 
ment  to  the  State  authorities  transpired.  The  flags  were 
three  in  number,  and  were  severally  presented.  No.  1  was 
a  "prize  flag,"  awarded  by  the  State  Agricultural  Society, 
as  a  premium  for  superior  drill  and  discipline,  and  was 
called  "The  Agricultural  Flag."  The  brazen  eagle,*  ball 
and  socket,  attaching  to  this  flag,  were  presented  by  Major- 
General  John  Gibbons,  commanding  the  Twenty-Fourth 
Corps,  for  gallant  conduct  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Petersburg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865.  No.  2  had  been  presented 
by  Governor  Yates,  and  contained  a  life-size  picture  of  His 
Excellency.  This  flag,  General  Mann  said,  had  been  con 
signed  to  the  care  of  a  Sergeant  of  the  same  name,  who  had 
been  shot  down  in  one  of  the  engagements,  while  unfurling 
it  to  the  breeze,  and  when  his  lifeless  body  was  about  to  be 
removed  for  burial,  it  was  discovered  that  his  right  hand 
still  grasped  a  shred  of  the  flag,  and  that  its  folds  were  sat 
urated  with  his  life-blood.  The  name  of  Sergeant  Yates 
should  therefore  be  associated  with  that  old  flag,  and  his 
memory  should  be  dear  and  sacred  to  every  patriotic  heart 
in  the  State.  No.  3,  in  its  tattered,  riddled  and  ragged  con 
dition,  bore  unmistakable  traces  of  original  beauty,  and  was 
the  gift  of  a  young  lady  named  Miss  Arion,  and  had  been 
tenderly  and  sacredly  regarded  for  her  sake.  The  flags 
were  all  literally  in  ribbons,  and  bore  incontrovertible  evi- 


TURNING    OVER   THE  FLAGS   TO    THE  STATE.  283 

dence  of  the  fiery  ordeal  through  which  they  had  passed. 
General  Mann  observed  that  these  old  flags  were  very  dear 
in  the  sight  of  the  men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  regiment,  and 
he  hoped  that  if  the  State  possessed  no  secure  and  proper 
receptacle  for  them  and  others  of  like  history,  that  she 
would  lose  no  time  in  providing  one. 

General  Haynie,  in  taking  charge  of  the  precious  relics, 
observed  that  he  had  no  language  in  which  to  express  the 
emotions  of  his  soul  on  that  occasion.  He  regretted  that 
the  State  possessed  no  fire-proof  building  in  which  to  de 
posit  them,  and  keep  them  secure  against  casualties,  and 
earnestly  hoped  that  that  matter  would  engage  the  early 
attention  of  our  Legislature.  He  said  that  these  old,  tat 
tered  and  riddled  banners  constituted  the  jewels  of  the 
State,  and,  if  lost  or  destroyed,  could  never  be  replaced. 
Diamonds  or  precious  metals,  if  lost,  could  be  made  good 
again,  but  these  were  priceless  and  invaluable,  and  no  pains 
on  his  part  would  be  spared  to  protect  them  against  any 
possible  contingency.  They  were  made  sacred  by  the  blood 
which,  they  had  been  told,  was  shed  upon  them. 

Turning  from  the  flags  to  the  men,  on  behalf  of  the 
State  and  its  Executive,  Governor  Oglesby,  who  was  absent 
therefrom,  General  Haynie  bid  them  a  most  hearty  welcome 
back  to  its  generous  soil,  and  gratefully  thanked  them  for 
the  noble  and  heroic  services  they  had  rendered  to  the 
Nation.  In  conclusion,  he  hoped  that  on  their  return  home 
to  the  quiet  pursuits  of  civil  life,  they  would  not  abandon 
the  principles  they  had  fought  for  in  the  field;  that  they 
would  be  true  to  their  own  record,  and  true  to  the  Union 
and  its  friends.  There  were,  unfortunately,  as  they  should 
find,  still  rebels  at  home,  who  had  kept  up  a  fire  in  the  rear 
while  they  were  in  the  field,  and  there  was  no  reason  why 
they  should  change  front  at  home  and  vote  in  favor  of  the 
party  and  principles  against  which  they  had  fought  and  bled 
in  the  field.  This  part  of  the  General's  speech  was  received 


284  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

with   rounds  of  applause,  amid  which   he  retired  from  the 
platform,  the  band  striking  up  a  stirring  air. 

At  the  conclusion  of  General  Haynie's  speech,  General 
Mann  again  ascended  the  platform,  and  for  the  last  time 
demanded  the  "attention"  of  his  command,  on  this  occasion 
to  deliver  to  them  his  last  "order"  and  take  his  final  leave 
as  their  commander.  He  spoke  as  follows: 

SOLDIERS:  The  period  toward  which  your  attention  has  been 
directed  for  a  long  time  is  at  hand.  Having  served  your  country  faith 
fully  for  nearly  five  years,  you  are  to-day  honorably  discharged  from  the 
army  of  the  United  States.  You  will  soon  leave  off  your  veteran  garb  of 
valiant  blue,  and,  putting  on  another  suit,  become  honorable  citizens  of  an 
honorable  State,— a  State  that  has  sent  over  two  hundred  and  sixty 
thousand  troops  to  the  field,  and  given  to  the  country  a  PRESIDENT  who 
has  fallen  a  martyr  to  that  cause  which,  like  the  voice  of  God,  called  you 
from  your  homes  to  engage  in  the  stern  realities  of  fierce  and  bloody  war 
fare.  In  parting  with  you,  it  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  remind  you  of  the 
different  departments  in  which  you  have  served  with  distinction?  The 
graves  of  your  fallen  but  gallant  comrades,  in  Missouri,  in  Maryland,  in 
the  Carolinas  and  in  the  Virginias,  will  keep  them  fresh  in  your  mem 
ories.  Nor  need  your  commanding  officer  enumerate  the  many  stormy, 
moonless  nights  you  have  passed  on  picket,  guarding  your  sleeping  com 
rades  from  the  midnight  assaults  of  those  who  sought  alike  your  lives  and 
the  life  of  your  country— these  will  never  be  forgotten.  The  sanguinary 
fields  which  you  have  gallantly  fought,  and  the  frowning,  formidable  forts 
you  have  heroically  stormed,  you  will  always  remember.  Some  of  you 
will  remember  them  by  the  wounds  which  are  still  fresh  in  your  bodies, 
and  by  the  limbs  you  have  left  to  bleach  on  Southern  soil,  while  on  all 
your  memories  they  are  as  deeply  engraven  as  they  are  on  your  victorious 
old  battle-flags,  which  you  to-day  turned  over  to  the  authorities  of  your 
State,  unsullied  by  even  an  imaginary  shade  of  dishonor. 

The  fortunes  of  war  have  been  such  as  to  prevent  your  commander 
from  participating  with  you  in  the  final  campaign  that  crowned  our  com- 
mftn  country  with  Victory  and  Peace.  Yet  from  his  post  of  duty  elsewhere 
he  watched  your  interests  with  a  jealous  eye,  and  heard  of  your  deeds  of 
valor  with  feelings  of  pride  and  regret.  To  your  gallantry  and  efficiency 
in  the  field  is  he  largely  indebted  for  his  present  rank  and  position,  and  he 
therefore  most  cheerfully  embraces  this  last  opportunity  to  thank  you,  one 
and  all,  for  your  soldierly  bearing  towards  him,  and  for  the  promptness 
with  which  you  have  observed  and  executed  his  orders.  He  will  ever 
regard  it  his  sacred  duty  to  contribute  in  any  way  to  your  individual  pros 
perity,  wherever  he  can,  and  bespeak  for  you  that  recognition  of  the 
glorious  services  you  have  rendered  your  country,  and  so  nobly  and  dearly 


VALEDICTORY.  285 

earned.  Go  to  your  homes,  VETEBAN  SOLDIERS,  and  strive  to  perpetuate 
that  peace,  whose  purchase  was  effected  at  so  vast  a  price — which  has  made 
your  once  long  lives  short,  and  your  full  ranks  thin.  But  should  the 
emergency  again  arise,  when  either  National  honor  must  be  compromised, 
or  personal  life  laid  on  the  altar  of  your  country,  let  no  member  of  the 
YATES  PHALANX  be  slow  in  rushing  to  the  conflict  as  a  representative  of  the 
honored  old  THIBTY-NINTH. 

Urging  upon  you,  possibly  for  the  last  time,  the  vital  importance  of 
maintaining  characters  of  honesty,  integrity,  industry  and  stability,  and 
hoping  that  again  in  the  peaceful  circles  of  home  and  friends  you  will 
leave  far  behind  any  habits  contracted  in  the  army  that  may  tend  to  retard 
you  in  'a  manly  career  in  the  great  campaign  of  life,  your  commander  bids 
you,  officers  and  men.  one  and  all,  an  affectionate  FAREWELL! 

For  some  moments  after  the  General  ceased  speaking,  a 
deep  silence  prevailed,  which  was  then  relieved  by  a  burst 
of  loud  and  prolonged  cheering.  The  old  colors  were  again, 
and  for  the  last  time,  saluted,  when  the  men  passed  out  of 
the  ahapel  to  join  the  Paymaster,  who  had  established  a 
"  headquarters "  at  another  point,  and  was  ready  to  dis 
tribute  a  large  quantity  of  promissory  notes,  issued  on  the 
credit  of  Uncle  Sam. 

The  men  who  participated  in  the  final  "muster-out" 
have  sought  homes  in  almost  every  State  and  Territory  of 
the  Union,  and  have  proved  good  citizens  and  worthy  mem 
bers  of  society.  The  number  is  growing  less  and  less  as 
each  year  makes  its  changes.  Soon  "taps!"  and  "  lights 
out!"  will  be  sounded  for  the  last  one  of  our  number  by  the 
grim  camp-follower  of  us  all — Death !  only  to  awake  at  the 
"reveille"  of  Gabriel  as  he  summons  us  for  final  account; 
and  we  earnestly  hope  and  trust,  in  closing  this  faithful  yet 
imperfect  record  of  your  history  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion, 
that  there  may  be  a  balance  in  our  favor  at  the  Judgment. 

Comrades,  the  following  letter  will  explain  itself.  It  is 
introduced  here  thinking  that  it  would  prove  eminently  sat 
isfactory  to  yourself  and  your  posterity  to  know  the  opinion 
of  Major-General  Alfred  H.  Terry,  the  hero  of  Fort  Fisher, 
concerning  your  conduct  during  the  time  (nearly  three 


286  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

years)  that  you  were  in  his  command.  You  will  regret  to 
learn  of  his  serious  illness  from  Bright' s  disease  of  the 
kidneys  with  its  many  complications.  He  states  that  his 
sufferings  make  writing  a  difficult  task,  and  hence  his  letter 
is  to  be  the  more  appreciated  by  us  all. 

NEW  HAVEN,  CONN. 

May  14th,  1889. 
My  dear  Doctor: 

You  ask  me  to  express  my  opinion  about  the  "  Old  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois."  What  can  I  say  about  it — what  can  any  one  say  about  it  except 
that  it  was  one  of  the  most  gallant  of  regiments  and  was  as  distinguished 
for  its  discipline  and  good  order  in  camp  and  on  the  march  as  it  was  for 
its  gallantry  in  action. 

Sum  up  all  soldierly  qualities  and  attribute  them  to  the  regiment 
and  you  will  do  it  no  more  than  justice. 

Sincerely  yours, 

ALT-BED  H.  TEBBY. 
Surgeon  CHABL.ES  M.  CLABK, 
Chicago,  III. 


One  last  word  before  you  close  this  poor  recital  of  your 
heroic  deeds  on  many  fields  and  under  varied  circumstances. 

Do  you  not,  all  of  you,  comrades,  feel  gratified  and 
proud  of  the  noble  and  active  part  the  dear  old  regiment 
took  in  the  "  War  of  the  Rebellion"  ?  In  tracing  out  its 
movements  the  writer  has  lived  over  again  the  days  when 
this  history  was  made;  forms  and  faces,  together  with  events 
almost  lost  to  memory,  have  appeared  with  a  brightness  that 
seemed  impossible ;  and  so,  doubtless,  have  appeared  to  you. 

This  history  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  has  been  written,  not 
alone  for  your  satisfaction,  but  for  the  gratification  of  your 
children  and  your  children's  children,  who  will  hand  it  down 
to  still  remoter  generations  with  the  pride  and  boast  of  an 
ancestry  who  fought  and  died  and  were  crippled  in  order  to 
sustain  and  perpetuate  the  Union  of  the  States  of  North 
America. 


WAT  WAB  DEY  FIGHTIN'  'BOUT. 


CHAPTEE  XX. 


EEMINISCENCES    AND    INCIDENTS. 

How  Lieutenant  Brucker  Opened  the  Battle  of  Winchester,  Va. — Disobedi 
ence  of  Orders  Saves  Many  Lives — Some  Tales  by  Commissary 
Sergeant  Frisbie:  A  New  Dish:  Frisbie's  "Mountain  Rabbit "- 
"Bury  Me  Where  I  Lay,  Boys" — Reminiscences  of  General  Mann: 
How  He  was  Frightened:  A  Good  Lawyer  Wanted — The  Hegira  of 
Colored  Servants  at  Edinburg,  Va. — Ely's  Foraging  Expedition — 
Captain  Botsford's  Narrative— Dr.  Clark  and  the  Rebel  Flag — Charley 
McGregor  and  the  Pig — General  Butler's  Narrow  Escape  from 
Capture — Capture  of  a  Doctor — The  Reminiscences  of  Ezra  A.  Cook, 
Company  G— Searching  for  Buried  Wealth — The  Last  to  Cross  the 
River  at  Sir  John's  Run — The  Sutler  in  a  Rage. 


How  LIEUTENANT  S.  S.  BRUCKER  OPENED  THE  BATTLE  OF 
WINCHESTER,  VA. 

A  S  you  are  "probably  not  aware  that  I  had  the  honor  to 
^^^  open  the  battle  of  Winchester,  I  will  give  you  a  brief 
account  of  the  matter. 

On  the  Friday  evening,  March  21st,  1862,  before  the 
battle,  I  was  detailed  to  report,  with  fifty  men  of  Company 
C,  at  the  headquarters  of  General  Shields.  Upon  arrival,  I 
was  ordered  to  await  a  detail  of  fifty  men  from  the  Thirteenth 
Indiana  Volunteers,  who  would  report  to  me,  and  I  was  then 
to  proceed  out  a  distance  of  about  two  miles  on  the  Front 
Koyal  road  to  relieve  picket  outposts  belonging  to  General 
Banks'  army,  which  was  preparing  to  move  on  Centreville. 

It  having  rained  almost  continuously  the  preceding 
three  days,  the  roads  were  in  bad  condition  and  almost 
impassable,  and  being  a  very  dark  night  our  progress  was 
necessarily  slow.  After  marching  nearly  four  hours,  I  con 
cluded  that  it  was  about  time  we  found  the  pickets  that  we 

288 


HOW  LIEUT.  BRUCKER    OPENED   A    BATTLE.  289 

were  to  relieve,  so  I  halted  my  command  near  the  border  of 
some  timber,  where  we  found  a  large  plantation-house  and 
outbuildings. 

As  was  usual  in  such  cases,  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes 
the  "  boys  "  had  ascertained  what  the  barns  and  houses  con 
tained,  and  they  reported  that  there  were  several  fine  horses 
and  saddles  in  the  stables.  I  borrowed  three  of  them  with 
out  taking  the  trouble  of  asking  permission,  and  mounting  a 
sergeant  and  two  men,  sent  them  forward  to  find  out  if  the 
pickets  were  still  in  advance  of  us.  In  an  hour's  time  they 
returned,  having  failed  to  discover  them.  After  a  short  rest 
I  ordered  my  men  to  fall  back  towards  Winchester,  and 
having  taken  about  the  proper  distance  I  deployed  them  in 
regular  picket-line  between  the  Front  Koyal  and  Strasburg 
pikes,  leaving  a  small  reserve  at  both  ends  of  the  line. 

We  had  barely  got  our  line  fully  established  as  day 
began  to  break,  and  I  concluded  to  take  some  rest;  but  before 
I  could  accomplish  this,  my  attention  was  called  by  the  cor 
poral  of  the  guard,  who  said  that  he  could  see  Banks'  pickets 
coming  in;  and  on  looking  I  could  perceive  some    fifteen 
cavalrymen,  dressed  in  the  Federal  uniform,  coming  towards 
us  from  the  Front  Eoyal  road.     They  continued  to  approach 
until  within  about  fifty  yards,  when  they  raised  their  carbines 
and  opened  fire,  but  their  aim  being  hurried  no  one  was 
hurt.     After  the  volley  they  immediately  whirled  about  and 
rode  off  at  a  gallop.     Every  one  seemed  to  be  surprised, 
having  little  doubt  but  that  they  were  our  own  men,  and  the 
pickets  that  we  had  been  in  search  of,  and  that  perhaps  they 
were  playing  a  joke  upon  us.     Nevertheless,  I  instructed  my 
men  to  return  the  fire  in  case  of  a  repetition. 

One  half  hour  later  they  returned  with  an  increased 
force,  and  quite  a  lively  skirmish  took  place  for  an  hour's 
time.  I  soon  found  a  more  advantageous  position  behind  a 
stone  fence,  such  as  are  found  in  that  locality,  and  where  I 
had  a  better  chance  to  pepper  into  them  without  exposing 


290  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

my  men,  and  which  shortened  the  distance  between  the  two 
roads. 

The  enemy  must  have  realized  the  fact  that  our  position 
was  such  that  they  could  not  dislodge  us  with  their  tactics, 
and  to  our  great  surprise  an  artillery  fire  was  opened,  throw 
ing  shells.  This  was  continued  quite  lively  for  awhile  in 
order  to  distract  our  attention  from  the  cavalry,  who  in  the 
meantime  attempted  to  flank  our  position,  but  without  suc 
cess,  as  we  kept  them  at  bay  and  held  the  position.  Mean 
while  we  were  looking  toward  Winchester  for  reinforcements, 
and  wondered  why  none  came,  for  we  reasoned  that  the  firing 
must  have  been  heard,  and  I  had  sent  a  messenger  to  General 
Shields'  headquarters  some  time  before;  and  yet  no  sign  of 
answer,  and  we  were  beginning  to  despair.  But  at  last,  about 
eleven  o'clock  A.M.,  we  heard  the  welcome  sounds  of  the 
bugle  and  fast-galloping  troopers  coming  down  the  Stras- 
burg  pike  to  our  assistance.  They  found  us  still  masters  of 
the  situation. 

We  had  been  attacked  and  had  successfully  repulsed 
the  enemy's  pickets  and  skirmishers  at  least  a  dozen  times, 
and  it  was  surprising  that  we  had  escaped  with  so  small  a 
loss,  which  was,  one  killed  and  three  wounded  of  the  Thir 
teenth  Indiana  Volunteers,  and  two  wounded  and  five  prison 
ers  taken  from  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteer s.  The 
Confederate  loss,  as  I  was  afterwards  credibly  informed,  was 
three  killed  and  fifteen  wounded. 

When  I  reported  at  General  Shields'  headquarters  the 
following  evening,  I  found  him  confined  to  his  bed  suffering 
from  a  shattered  arm,  caused  by  a  fragment  of  shell  from 
the  enemy's  guns,  received  early  in  the  evening  of  the  22d. 
I  gave  him  a  detailed  account  of  the  occurrences  of  my  two 
days  and  one  night's  outpost  duty,  and  inquired  why  no 
support  was  sent  me  after  the  firing  was  heard.  He  replied 
that  he  had  heard  the  firing  of  musketry  and  artillery,  and 
on  inquiring  the  cause  had  been  informed  that  our  artillery 


DISOBEDIENCE   OF  ORDERS  SAVES  MANY  LIVES.          291 

and  infantry  were  drilling  and  practicing.  He  was  very 
angry  when  lie  learned  that  General  Banks'  pickets  had  left 
their  posts  without  waiting  to  be  relieved.  He  highly  com 
plimented  us  and  our  noble  regiment,  and  expressed  the 
great  interest  he  took  in  the  old  brigade,  remarking  that  if 
the  balance  of  the  army  consisted  of  such  material  the  war 
would  soon  end. 


DISOBEDIENCE  OF  ORDERS  SAVES  MANY  LIVES. 
BY  LIEUTENANT  S.  S.  BRUCKER. 

While  proceeding  on  a  scouting  expedition  to  the  Dis 
mal  Swamp,  the  Thirty-Ninth  was  accompanied  by  two  cav 
alry  companies  and  one  battery  of  artillery.  After  marching 
all  the  day  and  until  about  dark,  we  made  camp  on  what 
was  termed  an  island  in  the  swamp.  Major  Munn  was 
"officer  of  the  day,"  and  I  had  been  detailed  as  "officer  of 
the  guard  and  pickets."  Before  going  to  the  front  with  my 
detail,  the  Major  gave  me  strict  orders  to  be  vigilant,  as  we 
were  near  where  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  was  reported  to 
be,  and  as  our  command  was  small,  he  said  "We  cannot 
afford  to  give  the  rebels  a  chance  to  surprise  or  capture  us. 
You  are  therefore  commanded  to  fire  on  any  body  of  men 
that  advances  from  the  road  in  the  swamp  coming  toward 
you,  and  without  giving  the  usual  warning  of  halt!  " 

I  proceeded  to  the  post  assigned  me,  established  my 
picket  line,  and  left  my  reserves  about  one  hundred  yards  in 
the  rear.  In  order  to  understand  the  nature  of  the  surround 
ings  it  is  necessary  to  state  that  the  road  was  built  of  logs, 
a  "cross- way"  in  the  midst  of  a  swamp  for  miles  ahead  and 
to  the  right  of  us,  and  no  one  could  approach  towards  us 
except  on  this  "cross- way."  About  midnight,  while  visiting 
my  outpost,  my  attention  was  called  to  a  slight  noise  as  if 
made  by  a  body  of  horse  in  the  distance.  It  became  more 
and  more  distinct,  and  the  dang  of  metal  (such  as  the  clat 
ter  of  sabres  makes)  left  no  doubt  in  my  mind  that  a  large 


292  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

body  of  cavalry  was  advancing  upon  us.  We  quietly  fell 
back  upon  our  reserves,  who  had  also  heard  the  approach 
and  were  on  the  alert.  I  first  cautioned  my  men  to  silence, 
and  to  have  their  guns  ready  and  bayonets  fixed,  but  not  to 
fire  under  any  circumstances  until  I  gave  the  word  of  com 
mand. 

I  had  my  orders  implicit  and  strict,  yet  I  hesitated  to 
fire.  I  cannot  tell  even  to  this  day  what  possessed  me,  but 
something  seemed  to  whisper  "Do  not  fire  until  after  you 
have  challenged  them."  The  time  was  passing  quickly  and 
they  came  nearer  and  nearer.  We  could  neither  see  them, 
nor  they  us,  as  the  night  was  very  dark,  but  we  were  con 
scious  that  a  f ew.  seconds  of  time  would  bring  them  up  to 
our  position.  I  then  called  out  loudly  and  distinctly, 
"Halt!"  The  command  must  have  surprised  and  startled 
them  wonderfully,  judging  from  the  almost  instantaneous 
check  given  the  horses  and  the  rattle  of  the  sabres.  I  was 
quickly  answered  "Friends!"  to  which  I  replied,  "Advance 
one,  Friend,  and  give  the  countersign! " 

"Who  are  you?"  was  asked. 

"We  are  friends." 

"Friends  of  whom?" 

"Friends  of  the  Union! "  I  replied. 

"So  are  we!"  he  said. 

I  then  asked  "What  rank  do  you  hold?  Where  are  you 
from,  and  where  going?" 

"Captain!  from  Chowan  river,  and  en  route  to  Suffolk!" 
he  replied. 

Knowing,  of  course,  that  we  held  Suffolk,  I  felt  satisfied 
they  were  not  rebels,  yet  I  called  upon  the  Captain  to  dis 
mount  and  advance  twenty  paces,  and  I  would  meet  him, 
which  we  did.  Satisfying  myself  that  he  was  all  right,  I  yet 
ordered  my  men  to  hold  the  cavalry  while  I  escorted  the 
Captain  to  headquarters,  where  he  proved  to  be  Captain 
Wyland  of  a  New  York  cavalry  regiment  on  a  scout  from 


A    NEW  DISH.  293 

Beaufort,  N.  C.,  to  report  to  headquarters  of  commanding 
General  at  Suffolk,  Ya.  When  Major  Munn  stated  to  the 
Captain  the  instructions  he  had  given  me,  that  officer  turned 
a  few  shades  paler  and  was  ready  to  embrace  me  for  joy  at 
his  narrow  escape.  It  was  simply  a  case  of  disobedience  to 
orders,  but  proved  a  great  mercy. 


SOME  TALES  BY  COMMISSARY  SERGEANT  FRISBIE. 
A  NEW  DISH. 

While  we  were  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  the  larder  at 
the  headquarters  mess  used  to  run  pretty  slim  at  times,  hav 
ing  to  depend  almost  entirely  on  the  Government  rations 
and  the  canned  goods  of  the  sutler.  One  morning  early  I 
met  with  Colonel  Voris  of  the  Sixty-Seventh  Ohio  Volun 
teers.  The  Colonel  was  always  an  early  riser,  and  this 
morning  had  been  out  among  the  sloughs  and  bayous  near 
the  camp  on  a  tour  of  discovery.  He  was  very  fond  of  prac 
tical  joking,  and  never  felt  better  than  when  he  could  get 
the  laugh  on  some  of  his  comrades.  He  says  to  me : 

"  Charley,  what  have  they  got  for  breakfast  up  at 
Osborn's  headquarters  this  morning?" 

"Well,"  says  I,  "I  don't  exactly  know;  but  about  the 
usual  dishes,  I  guess — beans,  hard-tack,  piece  of  army  beef, 
etc.,  etc." 

"  Well,  here,"  says  Voris,  "  I  caught  a  young  alligator 
this  morning,  and  you  take  a  good  big  piece  over  to  your 
cook  and  have  him  prepare  it  nicely  for  their  breakfast, 
and  don't  you  mention  anything  about  it — where  you  got  it, 
or  what  it  is,  and  we'll  see  how  they  like  the  new  dish." 

Accordingly  I  took  over  a  piece  and  gave  it  to  the 
cook,  telling  him  to  serve  it  nicely  for  breakfast— boiled,  I 
supposed,  would  be  best.  When  breakfast  was  ready,  Col 
onel  Osborn,  Dr.  Clark,  Adjutant  Walker  and  the  others 
came  in  and  took  seats  at  the  table,  and  the  cook  brought 


294  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

in  the  new  dish,  smoking  hot,  and  set  it  down  before  the 
Colonel. 

"Hello!  what's  that!"  said  he,  "where  did  you  get 
the  fish?"  helping  himself  quite  liberally  and  passing  it 
to  the  others.  "  Seems  very  coarse  kind  of  meat,  any 
way,  but  smells  good — and  tastes  very  well.  What  is  it, 
Adjutant?" 

"I  do  not  know  what  it  is,"  said  Walker.  "I  never 
saw  anything  just  like  it  before." 

"  Well,  Poctor,"  says  the  Colonel,  "  you  ought  to  know 
something  about  flesh — what  do  you  call  it?" 

"Looks  like  shark  or  dog-fish,"  said  the  Doctor,  turn 
ing  it  over  and  smelling  it. 

"Where's  the  cook?"  Osborn  called  out.  "Here,  sir, 
what  do  you  call  this  meat,  and  where  did  you  get  it?" 

"  Charley  Frisbie  brought  it  this  morning  and  told  me 
to  cook  it  for  breakfast,"  said  the  cook.  '  . 

"Where's  Frisbie?     Tell  him  to  report  here  at  once!" 
I  went  in  and  the  Colonel  says,  "  Charley,  where  did 
you  get  that  meat? — what  is  it?" 

I  told  him  that  I  met  Colonel  Voris,  and  he  sent  it 
over  with  his  compliments,   and  said  he  thought  it  to   be 
quite  a  delicacy  for  the  season." 
"  Well!  well!  but  what  is  it?" 
"Young  alligator!"  said  I. 

"Well,  I  thought  as  much  when  you  said  Voris  sent  it, 
and  I  suppose  we'll  never  hear  the  last  of  it;  but  you 
needn't  say  we  ate  any  of  it." 

Then  the  laugh  went  around. 

The  balance  of  it  was  dished  up  for  the  servants,  and 
Colonel  Mann's  darky,  a  long,  gaunt  fellow,  appropriated  the 
most  of  it  to  his  own  use ;  and  afterwards,  when  told  that  it 
was  alligator,  a  more  disgusted  nigger  you  never  saw.  He 
didn't  get  over  it  for  months. 


FRISBIE'S  "MOUNTAIN  RABBIT."  295 

FRISBIE'S    "MOUNTAIN    RABBIT." 

At  Kice's  Station,  Va.,  when  we  were  following  up  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia  to  the  final  surrender  of  General 
Lee,  General  Osborn,  then  commanding  the  First  Brigade 
of  the  First  Division  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Corps,  called  to 
me  and  said: 

"  Charley,  I  haven't  had  a  mouthful  to  eat  for  twenty- 
four  hours,  except  a  hard-tack  or  so.  Can't  you  scare  up 
something  in  the  eating  line?" 

Says  I,  "  General,  you  know  how  strict  the  orders  are 
about  foraging,  and  what's  a  fellow  to  do?  " 

"Oh,  well,  I  thought  you  had  been  a  soldier  long 
enough  to  know  how  to  get  around  orders,"  said  he. 

';  Well,  I'll  see  what  I  can  do,"  and  started  off. 

I  had  previously  seen  some  sheep  in  a  field  as  I  passed 
along,  and  calling  a  comrade  we  went  in  search  of  them. 
On  reaching  the  place,  I  told  him  to  get  around  them  and 
drive  them  down  to  a  little  gully  where  I  stationed  myself 
out  of  sight,  and  as  the  sheep  came  along  I  grabbed  one  and 
immediately  cut  its  throat  and  proceeded  to  skin  it.  I  then 
divided  it,  and  telling  my  comrade  to  take  the  forequarters 
to  his  mess  I  shouldered  the  hindquarters  and  proceeded  to 
General  Osborn's  tent.  When  I  entered,  I  saw  Generals 
Ord  and  Foster  there,  and  was  somewhat  taken  aback.  Os 
born  says,  "  What  you  got  there,  Sir?" 

"Mountain  Kabbit,"  says  I,  and  passed  on  to  the  cook's 
quarters,  telling  him  that  Ord  and  Foster  were  with  General 
Osborn  and  to  cook  it  nicely  for  supper. 

The  Generals  remained  to  supper,  seeing,  I  presume,  a 
good  chance  for  a  meal.  When  the  meal  was  ready,  and  a 
smoking  leg  was  on  the  table,  they  commenced  eating  with  a 
degree  of  appetite  and  relish .  seldom  witnessed  at  an  army 
table  in  those  exciting  days.  During  the  meal,  General 
Ord,  giving  a  sly  wink  to  Foster,  remarked,  "  This  mountain 
rabbit  has  a  remarkable  leg!  " 


296  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"Yes,"  replied  General  Foster;  "and  remarkable  feet, 
as  I  noticed  when  it  was  brought  in.  The  rabbits  in  Vir 
ginia  must  be  quite  different  from  any  that  I  have  heretofore 
seen." 

General  Osborn  said  nothing.  After  the  Generals  had 
departed,  Osborn  wanted  to  know  why  I  had  called  that 
sheep  a  mountain  rabbit.  I  told  him  that  I  was  so  confused 
when  I  entered  the  tent  at  seeing  the  Generals,  and  knowing 
that  I  had  violated  orders,  that  I  named  it  the  first  thing 
that  came  into  my  mind,  not  thinking  of  the  apparent  dis 
similarity.  There  was  nothing  more  said  about  it,  however. 


"BuRY  ME  WHERE  I  LAY,  BOYS!" 

BY  W.  0.  L.  JEWETT,  COMPANY  E. 

On  January  4th,  1862,  half  of  our  company  was  sent 
from  Sir  John's  Run  to  guard  a  railroad  bridge  across  the 
Big  Bethel.  It  was  some  five  or  six  miles  up  the  Potomac 
river  from  Sir  John's  Run.  The  detail  was  in  command  of 
Lieutenant  Lewis  T.  Whipple,  a  gallant  and  excellent  officer 
and  man.  Some  of  us  took  position  behind  a  pile  of  railroad 
ties  we  had  arranged  near  the  bridge.  Jackson  was  coming 
upon  us — our  pickets  had  been  driven  in  and  we  were  await 
ing  events.  The  Thirteenth  Indiana  Volunteer  Regiment 
had  come  down  from  Cumberland  and  had  built  fires  to  cook 
supper,  some  eighty  rods  above  us.  Lieutenant  Whipple  had 
started  for  the  Indiana  camp,  and  the  rebels  had  muffled  the 
wheels  of  a  cannon  and  brought  it  to  the  end  of  the  bridge 
about  ten  rods  from  us,  unheard  and  unnoticed,  and  dis 
charged  a  shot  at  the  Indiana  encampment.  This  was  about 
nine  o'clock  P.M.,  and  very  dark.  The  shot  passed  over  the 
head  of  Lieutenant  Whipple,  and  just  as  the  report  of  the 
gun  reached  him  he  caught  his  toe  in  a  snag,  and  fell. 
Thinking  himself  shot,  and  not  fully  realizing  his  position, 
and  withal  desirous  of  telling  the  boys  how  to  dispose  of 


REMINISCENCES   OF  GEN.   MANN.  297 

his  body,  he  called  out,  "Bury  me  where  I  lay,  boys!" 
Only  a  moment  elapsed,  when,  finding  himself  more  scared 
than  hurt,  he  quietly  arose  and  proceeded  on  his  journey, 
saying  nothing  more  about  the  disposition  of  his  body. 

We  at  the  pile  of  ties  fired  a  number  of  rounds  at  the 
place  we  had  seen  the  flashes  of  the  gun,  but  the  firing  soon 
ceased  on  their  part,  and  we  were  ordered  to  retreat  across 
the  Potomac,  and  wading  that  swift  stream  in  the  darkness, 
with  the  water  freezing  cold  and  reaching  to  one's  arm-pits, 
was  no  laughing  matter.  We  emerged,  and  went  rattling 
through  the  weeds  on  the  Maryland  shore,  incased  in  sheets 
of  ice,  until  after  several  hours'  march  we  reached  an  inn 
where  we  stirred  up  big  fires  and  thawed  out. 


EEMINISCENCES  OF  GENERAL  MANN. 
HE  RELATES  HOW  HE  WAS  ONCE  FRIGHTENED. 

The  troops  had  all  been  sent  forward  from  Patterson's 
Creek,  Ya.,  to  Paw-Paw  Tunnel,  except  the  Thirty-Ninth, 
which  General  Lander  said  he  ordered  left  there  to  guard 
the  bridge  and  to  send  forward  material  for  reconstructing 
the  railroad.  The  General  and  his  full  staff  were  about 
ready  to  leave  when  I  was  sent  for,  in  the  absence  of  Colonel 
Osborn,  who  had  gone  to  Cumberland. 

General  Lander  met  me  in  the  hall  of  his  headquarters 
and  directed  my  attention  to  a  very  stringent  and  vigorous 
order  he  had  published,  prohibiting  marauding  on  the  part 
of  our  troops,  and  ordered  me  to  see  that  it  was  obeyed.  I 
had  seen  some  Generals  before  that,  and  have  seen  a  great 
many  since,  but  I  think  I  never  saw  one  who  appeared  every 
inch  the  soldier  more  completely  than  did  Lander  at  that- 
time.  His  splendid,  tall  form  was  the  commanding  figure 
in  a  field  of  which  his  large,  well-equipped  staff  was  the 
impressive  background.  I  listened  to  the  General's  instruc 
tions,  and  realized  that  weighty  responsibilities  were  crowd- 


298  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

ing  heavily  upon  my  shoulders.  I  was  fresh,  and  had  never 
before  stood  face  to  face  with  a  live  General.  When  he  had 
concluded  what  he  had  to  say.  I  promptly  saluted  and  boldly 
said,  "General,  I  will  try  and  see  your  orders  obeyed." 

"Try!  G— d  d— n  your  soul  to  h— 1!  Try!!  What  in 
h — 1  do  you  mean,  Sir,  by  such  talk?  Is  that  any  language 
for  a  soldier  to  use,  d — n  you! "  and  each  oath  was  empha 
sized  by  a  terrible  stamp  of  his  foot. 

I  looked  for  a  way  to  escape  from  his  severe  presence — 
a  large  rat-hole  in  the  floor  afforded  momentary  hope ;  but  at 
last  my  wits  came  to  my  rescue,  and  straightening  myself  up 
to  more  than  full  height,  as  I  now  remember,  I  gave  the 
most  graceful  salute  possible,  and  in  tones  that  I  meant 
should  be  heard,  I  said,  "General  Lander,  your  orders  shall 
be  obeyed  to  the  letter!  " 

The  General  immediately  extended  his  long,  sinewy 
hand,  and  clasping  mine  warmly,  said,  in  subdued  tones, 
"That  is  right,  Colonel;  that  is  soldierly!  I  bid  you  good 
bye,  and  hope  we  shall  soon  meet  again." 

But  we  never  did.  General  Lander  was  a  corpse  ten 
days  later,  but  his  impressive  lesson  was  of  great  service  to 
me.  I  never  thereafter  allowed  myself  to  think  of  trying 
to  execute  a  militarv  order. 


A  GOOD  LAWYER  WANTED. 

At  this  same  post  (Patterson's  Creek)  Captain  S.  W. 
Munn  was  ordered  to  Paw-Paw  to  fill  detail  on  a  "general 
court-martial "  to  try  Colonel  Ansel,  of  the  First  Virginia 
Cavalry.  General  Lander  had  started  his  troops  from  Paw- 
Paw  across  the  country  to  attack  Jackson  at  Winchester,  and 
was  anxious  to  get  there  before  General  Banks  should  from 
Harper's  Ferry.  .Ten  miles  out,  he  met  the  enemy  at 
Bloomer's  Gap,  and  ordered  Colonel  Ansel  to  "charge" 
them.  It  was  charged  that  the  enemy  showed  some  "pluck," 


HEGIRA    OF  COLORED   SERVANTS.  299 

and  Colonel  Ansel  fell  back  with  his  regiment  in  great 
confusion. 

General  Lander  was  rushing  to  the  front,  and  meeting 
Colonel  Ansel,  ordered  him  in  arrest,  and  taking  command 
of  the  regiment,  led  it  in  person  to  a  nice  victory,  capturing 
some  seventy -five  rebels  and  dispersing  the  rest.  Lander 
wired  the  facts  to  Secretary  Stanton,  and  asked  for  instruc 
tions.  Secretary  Stanton  had  just  assumed  the  duties  of  the 
War  Office,  and  was  not  as  familiar  with  military  law  as  he 
became  in  later  years.  He  telegraphed  Lander  to  order  the 
Colonel  tried  by  court-martial,  and  if  found  guilty  of 
cowardice  in  presence  of  the  enemy,  have  him  shot  at  once. 
The  entire  army  and  the  country  at  large  were  shocked  at 
the  order,  for  at  that  time  no  person  could  be  legally  executed 
for  military  offenses,  except  on  the  approval  of  the  sentence 
by  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  court-martial  was  ordered,  however.  When  Cap 
tain  Munn  arrived  he  found  that  Colonel  Ansel  had  no  coun 
sel  to  defend  him.  Munn's  high  ideas  of  law  and  justice  led 
him  to  suggest  that  counsel  be  furnished  the  accused  before 
he  was  forced  to  trial,  and  arrangements  were  consummated 
whereby  Munn  was  relieved  from  the  court  and  assigned 
to  the  defense  of  the  accused.  Colonel  Ansel  was  found 
guilty  as  charged,  but  Munn  succeeded  in  getting  him  off 
with  loss  of  pay  and  rank,  and  dismissal  from  the  service. 
The  Captain's  good  reputation  made  at  home  as  a  criminal 
lawyer  now  became  noised  abroad  in  army  circles  in  the 
field,  and  he  was  frequently  called  upon  to  defend  delin 
quents. 


THE  HEGIRA  OF  COLORED  SERVANTS  FROM  THE  REGIMENT. 

While  we  were  at  Edinburg,  Ya.,  in  1862,  the  negroes 
who  had  come  out  from  Chicago  with  the  officers  as  servants 
became  greatly  exercised  and  excited  over  some  information 


300  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

which  they  had  received  from  some  source  concerning  the 
disposition  that  would  be  made  of  them  in  case  they  should 
be  captured  by  the  rebels.  One  morning  after  breakfast 
some  eighteen  of  these  "  mokes,"  under  the  leadership  of 
Bill  Baker,  who  was  "  chief  -of  -staff "  to  Surgeon  Blake,  and 
the  veterinary  for  the  officers'  horses,  appeared  at  the  head 
quarters  tent;  and  Baker,  who  officiated  as  spokesman,  said  to 
Colonel  Osborn  that  they  had  all  come  to  the  front  in  good 
faith,  but  they  had  recently  heard  that  all  colored  people, 
free  or  slaves,  with  the  Union  army,  if  taken  by  the  enemy, 
would  be  placed  in  the  trenches  for  duty.  They  were  not 
fighting  men  and  could  not  therefore  defend  themselves,  and 
proposed  to  go  back  to  Chicago  while  the  way  was  clear. 
They  at  once  left,  and  Ben  Butler's  famous  "contraband 
doctrine  "  was  regarded  by  the  Thirty-Ninth  from  that  time 
forward,  as  strictly  orthodox,  and  under  its  operations  other 
servants  were  soon  substituted. 

To  the  credit  of  these  colored  boys  it  may  be  said  that, 
though  partially  demoralized  at  the  battle  of  Winchester, 
many  of  them  afterwards  enlisted  in  colored  regiments  and 
helped  to  open  the  highway  to  their  freedom  with  their 
muskets  and  their  shovels.  Bill  Baker,  venerable  in  his 
years  and  useful  in  his  citizenship,  still  lives,  and  may  be 
found  in  most  any  Chicago  Kepublican  convention  trying 
to  direct  the  "ship  of  state"  into  such  channels  as  will  most 
benefit  the  colored  people. 


ELY'S  FORAGING  EXPERIENCE. 

On  a  foraging  expedition  all  alone  by  himself,  while 
the  regiment  was  in  front  of  Kichmond,  Ely  discovered  in 
his  preliminary  searches  an  old  blind  horse  which  he  pressed 
into  the  service,  and  mounted,  with  a  halter  to  guide  him, 
and  found  him  to  be  quite  a  help.  He  had  secured  several 
turkeys  and  had  attached  them  to  the  saddle  by  strings,  and 


REMINISCENCE  FROM  CAPT.  BOTSFORD.  3Q1 

was  returning  to  camp,  when  he  was  surprised  by  a  party  of 
guerillas  who  sprang  out  from  their  ambush  in  his  front 
and  opened  fire  on  him.  The  rattle  of  the  muskets  and  the 
sudden  clamor  frightened  not  only  himself  but  the  horse, 
which  turned  and  went  off  on  a  jump  through  a  "  stake  and 
rider"  fence,  scattering  the  rails  in  all  directions.  The 
horse  fell  down  in  a  pasture  field,  and  Ely  made  a  run  for 
the  woods  near  by,  leaving  turkeys  and  everything  else,  and 
succeeded  in  getting  a  safe  shelter  and  finally  reached  camp. 
The  next  morning  as  he  passed  the  place  with  the  regiment 
he  saw  the  horse  lying  dead  where  he  fell,  having  been  shot 
in  several  places. 


A  REMINISCENCE 

FROM  CAPTAIN  BOTSFORD,  COMPANY  F. 

In  the  early  part  «of  June,  1864,  when  General  Grant 
extended  his  lines  on  the  north  side  of  the  James  river,  an 
order  came  to  the  headquarters  of  the  regiment  for  a  detail 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  to  report  at  the  pontoon  bridge 
at  night. 

About  dark,  the  acting  Adjutant  (Lieutenant  Knapp) 
formed  the  command,  and  there  was  not  a  commissioned  or 
non-commissioned  officer  to  be  found,  when  he  turned  it  over 
to  me.  Of  course  there  was  no  alternative,  only  to  go  as 
directed. 

In  the  meantime  it  had  become  rumored  about  the  camp 
that  we  were  to  go  back  to  our  old  quarters  at  Bermuda 
Hundred,  and  everybody  volunteered  to  go.  It  was  a  queer 
command  at  best, — only  one  officer. 

The  bridge  was  not  far  away,  and  about  ten  o'clock  P.M. 
a  mounted  officer  rode  up  to  me  with  orders  to  place  my  men 
in  three  pontoon  boats  and  proceed  to  the  creek  called  Deep 
Run,  where  I  was  to  establish  a  post.  In  case  of  an  attack, 
the  gunboat  "  Hunchback,"  anchored  near  by  in  the  James 


302  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

river,  would  support  me,  etc.,  etc.  Some  of  the  boys  heard 
the  order  and  didn't  like  the  situation  of  affairs,  and  at  once 
attempted  to  run  the  guards  at  the  bridge,  and  a  few  suc 
ceeded  in  getting  away. 

Having  had  some  experience  as  a  sailor  when  a  boy,  it 
served  me  to  good  purpose  on  this  occasion,  for  we  reached 
our  destination  safely.  Climbing  the  steep  bank  of  the 
creek,  I  divided  my  command  into  three  reliefs  and  posted 
them  as  pickets.  The  line  had  scarcely  been  formed  when 
rapid  firing  from  a  post  in  the  advance  indicated  an  attack 
by  the  enemy.  Just  then  a  private  of  Company  F  thought 
it  about  time  to  retreat,  and  made  a  break  for  the  gunboat. 
In  his  haste  and  fright  he  stumbled  and  rolled  down  the 
steep  and  stony  bank  into  the  river  and  then  swam  to  the 
gunboat;  but  the  sentinels  on  board  refused  to  assist  or  let 
him  come  on  board,  and  he  swam  back  to  the  shore  again. 
The  early  morning  revealed  a  wet,  bruised  and  crest-fallen 
soldier  who  never  heard  the  last  of  his  visit  to  the  "  Hunch 
back  "  to  escape  from  the  enemy.  In  a  search  made  in  the 
morning  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  firing  during  the  night, 
we  found  only  a  cavalryman's  coat  and  belt,  and  nothing 
more,  to  account  for  it. 

We  were  relieved  on  the  third  day  by  the  Twenty- 
Fourth  Massachusetts  Volunteers,  having  had  rather  a  pleas 
ant  time.  We  were  on  the  same  ground  where  the  disastrous 
charge  was  made  on  August  16th  following,  by  our  brigade. 
I  remember  that  on  the  morning  of  that  day  our  regiment 
could  muster  only  two  hundred  and  sixty  men  for  duty,  and 
at  the  close  of  it  only  ninety-five  men  answered  to  the  roll- 
call  ;  and  out  of  the  eleven  officers  who  went  into  that  charge 
seven  were  either  killed  or  wounded.  I  was  the  only  lieu 
tenant  that  was  not  wounded,  and  the  first  on  the  rebel  works. 
It  was  myself  who  took  the  one  hundred  and  fifty  rebel 
prisoners  and  flag  and  turned  them  over  in  charge  of  a  ser 
geant  whom  I  did  not  know,  but  afterwards  learned  that  it 


DR.  CLARK  AND    THE  REBEL   FLAG.  3Q3 

was  a  sergeant  of  Company  G,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  who 
was  afterwards  commissioned  by  General  Birney  for  the 
gallant  act, — a  clear  case  of  "stolen  thunder."  But,  poor 
fellow,  he  was  killed  soon  after,  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va. 
It  was  the  excessive  heat  of  that  day,  together  with  the 
extraordinary  excitement  and  fatigue  and  the  rain  of  the 
next  night,  that  brought  me  down  with  typhoid  fever,  and 
which  nearly  terminated  my  life. 


DR.  CLARK  AND  THE  KEBEL  FLAG. 

In  the  latter  part  of  November,  1861,  while  the  regi 
ment  was  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  Dr.  Clark,  then  Assistant 
Surgeon,  was  ordered  to  Hancock,  Md.,  to  attend  the  sick 
at  that  post. 

Two  companies  of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  Volun 
teers,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Fox,  being  stationed 
there,  the  Doctor  took  up  his  quarters  with  the  other  officers 
at  .the  hotel  and  was  made  comfortable.  Through  the  cour 
tesy  of  Captain  Carey,  who  was  the  provost-marshal,  he  soon 
became  acquainted  with  many  residents  of  the  town,  among 
whom  was  the  family  of  Colonel  Bowles,  consisting  of  the 
Colonel,  his  wife  and  daughter,  who  were  strongly  Union 
in  sentiment  and  very  hospitable. 

One  evening  at  a  little  social  given  by  Miss  Bowles,  and 
where  had  gathered  quite  a  number  of  her  young  lady 
friends,  the  Doctor  met  with  a  Miss  Pendleton,  from  Berke 
ley  Springs,  and  also  a  Miss  Fannie  Swan,  living  at  Alpine 
Station,  Va.,  across  the  river  from  Hancock.  Miss  Pendle 
ton,  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Pendleton,  was  a  very  pronounced 
Union  sympathizer,  while  Miss  Swan  entertained  quite  dif 
ferent  sentiments — in  fact  she  had  the  reputation  of  being  a 
"  little  rebel."  Her  feelings  had  also  become  somewhat 
intensified  against  the  "  Yankees  "  from  the  fact  that  her 
father  had  lately  been  arrested  for  his  disloyal  utterances, 


304  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

and  was  at  this  time  an  inmate  of  the  calaboose  or  jail.  She 
scarcely  noticed  the  Massachusetts  officers  who  were  present, 
but  learning  that  Dr.  Clark  was  a  Western  man,  and  not  a 
detestable  Yankee,  as  she  expressed  it,  from  Massachusetts, 
she  laid  aside  some  of  her  reserve  and  coolness  of  manner 
and  condescended  to  speak  with  him. 

In  the  course  of  conversation  the  rebel  flag  was  men 
tioned,  and  Dr.  Clark  remarked  that  he  had  not  yet  seen 
the  flag  of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  but  would  much  like 
to  see  it  for  curiosity's  sake,  if  nothing  more;  and  gaining 
some  confidence  from  his  affable  reception  and  her  obliging 
mood,  made  the  request  for  a  miniature  copy  of  one.  Miss 
Swan  replied  that  she  would  be  much  pleased  to  accommo 
date,  but  owing  to  the  present  status  of  affairs  in  her  family 
she  dare  not  undertake  such  a  thing,  but  that  Miss  Pendle- 
ton,  her  cousin,  would  doubtless  be  pleased  to  bestow  the 
favor,  as  her  sympathies  with  the  Union  cause  were  well 
known,  and  if  the  Doctor  desired  she  would  ask  her. 

Nothing  more  was  thought  of  the  matter  for  some  days, 
when  an  envelope  was  handed  to  the  Doctor  by  a  colored 
man,  who  said  that  he  had  brought  it  from  Berkeley  Springs 
and  was  told  to  hand  it  to  "  Doctah  "  Clark  with  the  compli 
ments  of  Miss  Sally  Pendleton.  On  opening  the  envelope 
there  was  found  a  small  Confederate  flag  very  tastefully  made 
from  pieces  of  ribbon.  It  was  about  three  inches  long  by  two 
inches  in  width,  and  very  pretty.  The  Doctor  placed  it  care 
fully  in  his  pocket,  with  no  suspicion  that  any  person  was 
informed  of  this  little  transaction  other  than  the  two  ladies 
and  himself. 

Two  days  subsequently  Captain  Carey  suggested  that 
they  invite  ladies  and  take  a  horseback  ride.  He  said  that 
he  had  already  spoken  to  Miss  Bowles,  who  had  consented, 
and  that  she  had  expressed  the  wish  that  the  Doctor  invite 
Miss  Swan.  This  was  done,  and  the  answer  being  favorable, 
the  party  started  off  that  afternoon  up  the  river  to  visit  some 


DR.    CLARK  AND    THE  REBEL  FLAG.  3Q5 

mountain  scenery  near  Sir  John's  Run.  Everything  passed 
off  very  pleasantly  and  gaily  until  they  had  entered  the 
town  on  their  return  and  were  passing  the  quarters  of  a 
company  of  the  Massachusetts  men,  who  no  sooner  saw  them 
than  they  ran  out  shouting  and  jeering  and  behaving  in  a 
most  shameful  manner,  calling  Miss  Swan  a  rebel  and  passing 
other  insulting  remarks.  No  attention  was  paid  to  them  at 
the  time,  but  quickening  their  pace,  the  party  passed  on  to 
the  residence  of  Colonel  Bowles,  where  they  dismounted. 

Captain  Carey  was  much  ashamed  and  exasperated  at 
the  conduct  of  his  men,  and  left  the  house  almost  immedi 
ately  for  Captain  Fox's  headquarters,  leaving  Dr.  Clark 
behind.  The  Doctor  endeavored  to  apologize  for  the  rude 
ness  offered  to  the  ladies,  but  was  interrupted  almost  at  once 
by  Miss  Swan,  who  said  that  it  was  not  at  all  necessary,  for 
it  was  nothing  more  than  might  be  expected  from  a  lot  of 
abolition  boors  from  Massachusetts. 

Scarcely  half  an  hour  had  passed  when  the  sound  of  fife 
and  drum  was  heard,  and  looking  down  the  street  there  was 
seen  a  company  of  soldiers  approaching,  in  command  of  a 
Lieutenant.  They  halted  in  front  of  the  house  and  were 
brought  to  a  front-face,  grounded  arms,  and  stood  at  "  pa 
rade  rest,"  and  the  Lieutenant  advanced  to  the  door.  It  was 
opened  by  a  servant,  who  soon  announced  that  Colonel 
Bowles  was  wanted.  The  ladies  present  were  very  much 
frightened  and  excited.  Mrs.  Bowles  went  to  the  door, 
however,  and  stated  that  Colonel  Bowles  was  at  Hagerstown, 
but  would  return  during  the  evening,  and  wished  to  know 
what  was  wanted.  The  Lieutenant  replied  that  it  had  been 
reported  that  there  was  a  rebel  flag  concealed  in  the  house, 
and  that  he  had  been  ordered  to  come  and  demand  it;  and 
if  it  were  not  given  up,  to  search  the  house,  and  place  the 
inmates  under  arrest.  Mrs.  Bowles  made  reply  that  there 
was  no  rebel  flag  concealed  anywhere  about  the  house  or 
premises,  and  never  had  been ;  and  what  was  more,  she  con- 

20 


306  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

sidered  it  to  be  a  great  outrage  and  a  most  unwarrantable 
proceeding  on  the  part  of  any  one  to  discredit  the  well- 
known  loyalty  of  Colonel  Bowles  and  his  whole  household. 
She  then  called  the  Doctor  to  the  door.  He  responded  at 
once,  and  was  told  what  was  wanted. 

"What!"  said  the  Doctor,  "you  bring  a  company  of 
some  sixty  men  here  on  the  silly  pretext  that  there  is  a  rebel 
flag  concealed  in  this  house !  You  must  be  a  fool !  and  those 
who  sent  you." 

"Well,  well!"  says  Mrs.  Bowles,  who  saw  that  trouble 
was  brewing,  "let  the  officer  search  the  house,  if  he  wishes, 
and  be  satisfied ;  but  I  know  that  if  the  Colonel  were  home 
it  would  not  be  permitted." 

The  Lieutenant  said  that  he  must  obey  orders,  however 
unpleasant  it  was;  and  calling  for  a  sergeant  and  file  of 
men  they  proceeded  to  make  the  search. 

About  this  time  it  occurred  to  the  Doctor  that  perhaps 
the  little  rebel  flag  that  was  yet  in  his  pocket  might  have 
some  connection  with  this  affair;  but  he  awaited  the  result 
of  the  search.  The  Lieutenant  and  his  men  soon  returned 
from  the  apartments  upstairs,  where  they  had  not  found  any 
thing,  and  were  proceeding  to  other  portions  of  the  house, 
when  the  Doctor,  calling  the  Lieutenant  out  on  the  porch, 
and  in  the  presence  of  the  soldiers  and  the  crowd  of  citizens 
that  had  assembled,  said  perhaps  he  could  explain  the  whole 
matter;  and  taking  from  his  pocket  the  little  rebel  flag 
mounted  on  something  like  a  match-stick,  he  flung  it  to  the 
breeze  with  the  remark,  "Is  that  what  you're  after?"  and 
tried  to  explain  matters;  but  amid  such  shouts  of  derision 
at  the  abashed  flag-hunters,  that  it  was  impossible.  The 
feather  in  the  Lieutenant's  hat  fairly  wilted  as  he  ordered 
his  company  to  "Shoulder  arms!  Eight  face!  By  the  right 
flank,  forward,  march!"  and  he  with  his  brave  command 
slunk  away. 

Captain  Carey  soon  appeared,  but  was  totally  ignorant 


CHARLEY  MCGREGOR  AND  THE  PIG.  307 

of  how  the  whole  affair  originated.  Suitable  apologies  were 
made  to  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Bowles,  and  the  affair  was  soon 
forgotten  by  them,  but  the  Massachusetts  men  never  could 
look  pleasantly  at  the  Doctor  afterwards,  who  was  a  most 
unwitting  character  to  the  whole  proceeding,  and  has  often 
questioned  if  it  was  a  joke!  and  if  so,  on  whom. 


CHARLEY  MCGREGOR  AND  THE   PIG. 

After  our  forces  had  advanced  their  lines  beyond  the 
Hewlett  house,  the  premises  were  visited  by  large  numbers 
of  soldiers,  some  out  of  mere  curiosity,  others  in  search  of 
relics,  etc.  t  The  family  of  Dr.  Hewlett  had  removed  a  great 
portion  of  the  furniture  and  other  chattels,  but  there  was 
left  many  articles  of  value  that  could  not  be  removed  for  the 
want  of  transportation,  owing,  doubtless,  to  the  hurried  man 
ner  of  their  departure.  A  fine  piano  was  found  in  the  parlor ; 
also  many  books  and  surgical  instruments,  and  some  wearing 
apparel.  Some  pigs  were  also  left  behind. 

McGregor,  having,  like  the  others,  some  curiosity  to 
satisfy,  and  also,  it  is  presumed,  having  an  eye  to  business 
in  the  direction  of  getting  something  good  to  eat,  which  was 
the  chief  end  of  soldiers  about  that  time,  while  making  an 
inspection  of  the  premises  accidentally,  of  course,  espied  a 
young  pig  or  shoat,  and  at  once  decided  that  that  pig  was 
his  meat;  and  suiting  the  action  to  the  thought,  it  was  run 
down  and  captured.  After  giving  it  the  coup  de  grace, 
he  slung  it  around  his  shoulders  and  proceeded  to  camp, 
accompanied  by  glad  visions  of  fresh  pork  for  supper.  On 
his  way  he  chanced  to  meet  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann,  who 
commanded  him  to  halt,  and  asked  him,  "Where  did  you 
get  that  pig,  Sir?" 

"Mac"  cheerfully  and  very  frankly  informed  him,  and 
was  told  to  go  to  camp  and  report  himself  to  Colonel  Osborn. 
McGregor  had  not  been  long  in  the  service  and  knew  but 


308  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

little  of  the  "tricks"  of  old  soldiers  and  their  way  of 
evading  orders.  He  passed  011  to  the  camp  and  presented 
himself  before  the  Colonel's  tent,  the  pig  still  on  his 
shoulders. 

"What  have  you  got  there,  Sir?  and  where  did  you  get 
it?"  inquired  the  Colonel,  fixing  him  with  his  stab-like 
glance. 

"Mac"  got  frightened,  it  being  his  first  experience  in 
this  line,  but  made  out  to  say  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann 
had  told  him  to  report  with  the  pig. 

"Go  and  stand  up  against  that  tree,  Sir,  and  take  the 
position  of  a  soldier!" 

"Mac  "  did  as  ordered,  but  found  his  porcine  necklace 
somewhat  in  the  way  in  taking  the  position  of  a  soldier. 

"  Hold  up  your  head!     Place  your  heels  together." 

In  obeying,  "Mac  "  must  needs  see  that  the  position  is 
correct,  and  bends  over,  and  the  order  is  fiercely  shouted ; 

"  Hold  up  your  head!     Place  your  arms  in  position!" 

Thus  the  play  went  on,  until  "Mac"  fairly  shook  in  his 
shoes,  and  was  told  to  go  to  his  quarters,  and  never  to  be 
caught  foraging  again. 

The  final  disposition  of  the  pig  was  unknown,  but  it  was 
doubtless  turned  over  to  the  commissary  of  subsistence,  as 
the  headquarters  mess  never  relished  fresh  meat. 


GENERAL  BUTLER'S  NARROW  ESCAPE  FROM  CAPTURE. 

When  Butler's  expedition  up  the  James  river  landed  at 
Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  was  the 
first  regiment  to  debark,  and  was  immediately  deployed  on 
either  side  of  the  road  leading  to  Petersburg;  skirmishers 
were  sent  forward,  and  the  regiment  was  gradually  advanced 
to  make  room  for  the  other  troops  of  the  expedition.  Even 
ing  found  us  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  landing. 

Comrade  Mann  says:     About  this  time  I  heard  great 


GEN.  BUTLER'S  NARROW  ESCAPE  FROM  CAPTURE.          3Q9 

cheering  at  the  rear,  which  was  renewed  several  times,  each 
time  coming  nearer;  and  looking  for  the  cause,  I  saw  Gen 
eral  Butler  and  his  entire  staff  approaching  on  the  main 
road.  When  they  reached  my  outer  line  I  halted  them. 
General  Butler  asked  if  we  had  seen  any  "  rebs  "  in  the 
front.  I  told  him  that  several  squads  of  cavalry  had 
appeared  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant.  After  examin 
ing  a  large  chart  the  General  said  that  he  desired  to  go  for 
ward  to  a  creek  and  a  small  church  beside  it,  thence  down 
the  creek  about  one-fourth  mile,  and  back  to  our  line,  form 
ing,  as  he  said,  a  triangle  in  the  scout.  I  offered  to  advance 
my  command  to  the  creek,  saying  to  the  General  that  it 
would  be  safer  for  his  party.  I  was  thanked  and  told  to 
hold  my  men  as  they  were,  but  to  instruct  them  to  admit 
his  party  on  their  return.  I  looked  for  an  episode,  and  it 
soon  came. 

Butler  and  staff  galloped  to  the  front.  The  country 
was  quite  level  (called  the  Wier  bottoms),  and  excepting 
scattering  pine  trees  was  quite  open  for  some  distance 
around  us.  Securing  a  commanding  view  from  a  tree  stump, 
I  soon  saw  the  General's  party  halt  on  the  banks  of  "  Butler's 
Creek"  (as  it  was  subsequently  called  by  the  men  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth),  close  to  Wier  Bottom  church.  Field-glasses 
were  brought  into  use  and  the  "  impenetrated  beyond"  was 
carefully  explored.  Soon  the  party  turned  to  the  left,  in 
tending  to  run  out  the  base  of  their  triangle,  but  it  was 
never  completed.  At  this  moment  there  sprang  out  from 
behind  a  dense  thicket  of  alder  bushes  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  creek  a  squad  of  rebel  horse,  who  yelled  "Halt!'1 
and  fired  their  carbines.  Butler  had  no  armed  escort  and 
but  two  mounted  orderlies,  both  of  whose  horses  fell  dead 
to  the  ground  and  their  riders  were  taken  prisoners.  Butler 
and  his  staff  came  dashing  through  the  tall  pines  back  to 
our  lines  with  more  regard  to  speed  than  order  of  coming. 
The  prisoners  were  taken  to  Petersburg  that  night,  and 


310  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  name  and  fame  of  their  chief,  who  had  so  narrowly 
escaped  death  or  capture,  was  revealed.  Before  the  next 
night  the  Petersburg  Morning  Index  was  in  our  lines  where 
we  saw  a  full  account  of  the  affair. 

It  appears  that  a  Confederate  Major,  with  over  two 
hundred  horsemen,  was  carefully  concealed  beyond  the  creek, 
eagerly  waiting  for  General  Butler  and  his  staff  to  cross 
over.  The  paper  scored  the  Major  most  fearfully,  for  not 
capturing  the  "beast,"  and  called  on  the  authorities  at  Kich- 
mond  to  discipline  him  for  neglect  of  duty.  It  is  quite  safe 
to  conclude  that  General  Butler  was  seldom  found  in  front 
1  of  the  skirmish  line  after  this  experience. 


CAPTURE  OF  A  DOCTOR. 

After  landing  at  Bermuda  Hundred  the  Thirty-Ninth 
were  advanced  out  on  the  Petersburg  road,  and  Captain  O. 
F.  Eudd,  of  Company  G,  had  charge  of  the  skirmish  line. 
About  two  o'clock  P.M.  a  man  approached  on  horseback,  and 
of  course  was  halted;  and  upon  being  questioned,  stated 
that  he  was  a  doctor,  and  said  that  he  had  a  very  sick  patient 
near  the  landing  whom  he  desired  to  visit.  He  was  quite  a 
venerable-looking  fellow,  very  polite,  and  seemed  honest. 
He  was  placed  under  guard,  however,  and  sent  to  General 
Butler,  who,  on  learning  his  business,  also  furnished  him 
with  a  military  escort,  to  visit  his  patient.  House  after 
house  was  visited,  but  no  invalid  was  to  be  found,  and  mat 
ters  began  to  wear  a  suspicious  look.  Upon  a  close  exami 
nation  into  the  case,  and  feeling  satisfied  that  the  doctor  had 
some  other  motive  in  passing  our  lines  than  the  one  given, 
General  Butler  ordered  him  in  arrest  and  sent  him  to  the 
"  Eip  Kaps"  off  Fort  Monroe.  This  man  proved  to  be  Dr. 
Howlett,  whose  splendid  mansion  a  short  distance  up  the 
James  river  soon  gave  name  to  the  celebrated  Howlett  House 


REMINISCENCES  OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.  3H 

battery,  planted  there  by  the  Confederates  to  enliven  Butler's 
proceedings  on  the  "  Dutch  Gap  "  canal. 


EEMINISCENCES  OF  EZKA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G. 

The  first  incident  of  special  interest  to  me  was  con 
nected  with  "Stonewall"  Jackson's  first  raid.  His  march 
from  Winchester  on  Bath  was  witnessed  by  our  pickets  on 
Prospect  Eock  at  the  summit  of  Great  Cacapon  mountain, 
and  they  notified  our  small  force  at  Bath  of  the  impending 
attack.  The  gallant  style  in  which  they  bushwhacked  the 
rebels  and  checked  the  march  of  fifty  times  their  number 
was  duly  reported,  and  thrilled  us  all.  Breastworks  were 
constructed  of  railroad  ties,  and  when  brave  Lieutenant 
Eudd  with  his  twenty  men  on  the  mountain,  who  gave  the 
rebel  column  a  volley  at  close  range,  brought  in  his  men 
unharmed,  expectation  was  raised  to  the  highest  pitch, 
especially  as  a  long  train  bearing  the  Thirteenth  Indiana 
regiment  passed  us  towards  Sir  John's  Bun  about  this  time. 
The  train  soon  returned,  however,  and  we  were  astonished  to 
see  that  the  Thirteenth  made  no  preparation  to  take  a  hand 
in  the  fight  which  we  were  momentarily  expecting.  We 
afterwards  learned  that  they  were  under  strict  orders  not  to 
go  away  from  the  train.  The  train  stopped  a  short  distance 
from  Great  Cacapon  bridge  and  most  of  the  men  stood 
around  large  fires  built  by  the  side  of  the  track,  for  it  was 
mid-winter. 

Soon  after  we  were  stationed  at  Great  Cacapon,  Frank 
O.  Sherwood  became  so  ill  that  he  could  not  care  for  him 
self,  and  I  soon  found  that  he  got  very  little  care  except 
when  I  was  off  duty,  so  that  I  could  attend  to  him,  and  at 
last,  at  the  urgent  request  of  comrades,  I  was  detailed  to 
take  sole  care  of  him.  No  physician  was  accessible.  Later, 
Austin  Handy  was  laid  up  with  a  badly  sprained  ankle,  and 
he  also  came  under  my  care.  Shortly  before  dark,  the  day 


312  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  the  attack,  Sherwood  was  carried  on  a  shutter  to  the 
house  of  a  Mr.  or  rather  Mrs.  McCubben,  about  half  a  mile 
up  the  railroad,  so  as  to  be  out  of  range  of  the  rebel  attack. 
Mr.  McCubben  was  in  the  rebel  army,  and,  as  we  afterwards 
learned,  the  guide  of  the  rebel  attacking  column. 

While  I  was  helping  Handy  to  McCubben' s  the  rebel 
attack  began  with  both  artillery  and  infantry,  and  a  moment 
after,  along  came  the  train  with  the  Thirteenth  Indiana,  and 
soon  got  out  of  range.  Handy  could  not  hurry.  As  soon 
as  Handy  was  settled  there,  and  I  could  get  my  gun  and 
accoutrements  ready,  I  started  for  the  scene  of  battle  and 
found  our  boys  just  starting  to  retreat,  though  there  was  not 
a  shot  being  fired  at  them  then.  The  battle  was  over.  A 
report  had  been  received  that  the  rebels  were  coming  down 
"Long  Hollow"  and  would  soon  cut  off  their  retreat,  hence 
the  backward  movement. 

The  train  of  cars  had  stopped  a  short  distance  away. 
On  meeting  the  company  in  retreat,  I  at  once  asked  Captain 
Slaughter  to  let  others  help  me  carry  Sherwood  and  his 
things  to  the  train.  Handy,  we  knew,  could  hobble  along 
with  a  little  assistance.  He  said  No;  Sherwood  would  have 
to  be  left.  I  hurried  ahead  to  tell  Sherwood  and  Handy. 
It  was  terribly  disagreeable  news  to  Sherwood,  but  he  bore 
it  about  as  well  as  a  sick  man  could. 

I  succeeded  in  getting  out  with  Handy  just  as  the 
company  came  up,  and  again  I  appealed  to  Captain  Slaugh 
ter  on  Sherwood's  behalf,  but  with  no  better  success  than 
before.  Lieutenant  Kudd  brought  up  the  rear,  and  was 
naturally  talking  of  the  events  of  the  past  few  hours,  when 
I  broke  in  with  a  remark  about  Sherwood  which  he  evidently 
did  not  understand.  It  was  hardly  reasonable  to  expect  that 
a  Lieutenant  would  go  contrary  to  an  emphatic,  repeated 
decision  of  his  superior  officer,  but  I  determined  to  risk 
whatever  retort  I  might  get,  and  again  broke  in  on  the  con 
versation  with  some  vehemence,  and  succeeded  in  getting 


REMINISCENCES  OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.          313 

the  case  before  him,  when  he  denounced  Captain  Slaughter 
as  a  miserable  coward  and  declared  he  would  serve  under 
him  no  longer  than  he  was  obliged  to.  He  then  asked  who 
would  return  with  him  for  Sherwood.  Robert  Smith  and  a 
member  of  the  Thirteenth  Indiana  who  had  stayed  behind 
hoping  to  get  a  shot  at  a  "  Johnny,"  volunteered  to  go  with 
us,  and  dropping  our  knapsacks  we  hurried  back,  Lieutenant 
Rudd  ordering  one  of  the  company  who  was  in  hailing 
distance  to  ask  Captain  Slaughter  to  send  a  squad  back  to 
meet  us  and  to  have  the  train  wait  for  our  return. 

Knowing  that  McCubben  would  be  likely  to  be  promptly 
apprised  of  our  retreat  and  hurry  home  with  his  Confederate 
comrades,  we  thought  it  probable  that  we  would  have  a 
lively  time  when  we  reached  there,  even  if  we  did  hurry; 
but  the  coast  was  clear  and  we  soon  had  Sherwood  out  of 
bed  and  were  on  our  way,  one  of  us  on  each  side  of  Sher 
wood,  supporting  most  of  his  weight  on  our  shoulders,  while 
he  walked  as  best  he  could,  and  it  was  marvelous  to  us  that 
he  had  strength  to  get  along  so  well  with  our  aid.  Unfor 
tunately  his  boots  had  not  been  brought  to  McCubben' s,  and 
as  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  there  was  rock-ballasted, 
the  sharp  stones  cut  through  his  stockings  and  hurt  his  feet 
at  every  step;  but  he  bore  it  all  bravely,  and  the  joy  at 
being  rescued,  with  the  excitement,  aided  his  strength  won 
derfully.  So  we  hurried  on,  hoping  soon  to  overtake  the 
train,  or  at  least  to  meet  the  squad  Lieutenant  Rudd  had 
asked  to  have  sent  back  to  meet  us.  We  soon  found  that 
we  were  abandoned  to  our  fate,  whatever  it  might  be,  and 
had  no  one  to  depend  on  but  ourselves  and  the  protection  of 
God. 

Lieutenant  Rudd  hurried  ahead  to  find  a  home  for 
Sherwood,  whom  it  was  evident  we  must  leave,  and  soon 
returned  with  the  good  news  that  he  had  found  at  a  house 
near  the  railroad,  an  old  couple  who  promised  to  take  good 
care  of  him  till  we  could  return  for  him.  They  said  they 


314  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

would  hide  his  uniform  and  conceal  his  identity,  so  we  left 
him  in  a  much  more  contented  frame  of  mind  than  when 
deserted  at  McCubben's.  and  hurried  on,  knowing  that  we 
would  not  be  safe  if  we  did  not  get  a  considerable  distance 
away  before  morning  dawned. 

I  was  so  exhausted  that,  though  it  was  a  cold  night,  I 
was  soaking  wet  from  perspiration,  and  I  could  not  have 
gone  much  farther,  when  to  our  great  joy  we  came  up  with 
the  train,  six  or  seven  miles  from  Great  Cacapon.  The  cars 
were  already  crowded,  but  I  managed  to  get  into  a  slat  or 
cattle  car,  where  I  was  soon  chilled  to  the  bone,  and  of 
course  caught  a  severe  cold.  We  finally  reached  Cumber 
land  and  got  thawed  out. 

A  few  days  later  Sergeant  Spencer  with  Henry  S.  Park- 
hurst  and  myself  were  sent  back  to  rescue  Sherwood  as 
promised.  A  train  took  us  to  Clear  Springs,  where  we 
learned  that  most  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  road  was  again 
in  possession  of  the  Union  troops.  At  North  Branch,  two 
miles  further  on,  we  secured  a  hand-car,  on  which  we  sped 
along  at  a  lively  rate  for  a  short  time  till  it  began  to  sleet, 
when  it  soon  took  all  of  our  strength  to  pull  and  push  along 
the  empty  car.  A  little  after  midnight  we  lifted  the  car 
from  the  track  near  a  house,  roused  its  inhabitants  and  took 
shelter  for  the  night,  one  of  us  by  turns  guarding  our  com 
rades  and  the  hand-car. 

We  expected  when  we  started  that  we  would  not  be  able 
to  go  all  of  the  way  to  our  destination  on  the  Virginia  side, 
but  would  have  to  get  a  boat,  cross  to  the  Maryland  side, 
follow  the  river  till  opposite  where  Sherwood  was  left,  and 
then,  by  boat,  cross  and  get  him,  if  he  was  alive,  and  able  to 
be  moved. 

In  the  morning  we  started  on,  very  slowly  at  first,  until 
the  sun  cleared  the  ice  from  the  track,  when  we  ran  along 
merrily.  As  we  neared  Great  Cacapon  we  were  joyfully 
surprised  to  hear  that  our  troops  had  the  day  before  taken 


REMINISCENCES  OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.          315 

possession  there,  so  with  mingled  hope  and  fear  for  Sher 
wood's  safety  we  hurried  on,  and  about  eleven  A.M.  that  day 
we  found  him  safe  and  undisturbed  and  much  improved, 
though  still  an  invalid. 

Going  to  our  old  quarters  we  found  a  company  of  the 
Second  Maryland  occupying  them,  and  near  by,  Captain 
Dyke's  company  of  the  same  regiment  which  had  been  asso 
ciated  with  us  in  the  defense  of  Great  Cacapon  bridge  and 
the  surrounding  country.  It  was  of  course  very  gratifying 
to  learn  that  the  rebel  official  report  of  the  fight  there  put 
our  force  of  not  over  one  hundred  men  at  fifteen  hundred, 
which  was  the  number  of  the  attacking  force,  and  when  we 
learned  that  they  abandoned  their  artillery  and  retreated 
back  to  Bath  that  night,  as  the  result  of  the  well-directed 
Union  fire,  we  were  confirmed  in  our  belief  that  the  rebel 
notion  that  one  of  them  could  whip  five  Yankees,  was  a  mis 
taken  one. 

We  spent  that  night  (January  9th,  1862)  with  Sher 
wood,  and  the  next  day  planned  to  start  for  Cumberland. 
We  were  warned,  however,  by  the  Major  of  the  Second 
Maryland  that  it  was  not  safe,  as  a  train  of  cars  was  expected 
from  Cumberland,  and  it  was  a  single  track  railroad. 

The  hand-car  had  been  left  near  our  old  quarters. 
Several  soldiers  took  hold  to  help  get  it  on  the  track  again, 
and  it  was  thrown  onto  Mr.  Parkhurst's  leg,  laying  him  up 
completely.  We  ran  the  car  up  opposite  McCubben's,  and 
expected  to  spend  that  night  there.  About  nine  o'clock 
Mrs.  Barker  called  and  told  us  that  the  Second  Maryland 
boys,  fearing  a  night  attack,  had  all  crossed  the  river;  so 
Spencer  and  I  helped  Parkhurst  in  the  hand- car,  went  on  to 
Sherwood,  where  we  roused  him,  and  soon  got  him  aboard, 
and  bade  good-bye  to  the  kind  friends  who  had  so  nobly 
cared  for  him.  There  were  two  helpless  men,  and  two  of  us 
to  run  the  hand-car.  We  knew  that  there  was  still  danger 
of  meeting  the  expected  train,  so  we  kept  eyes  and  ears 


316  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

open.  Several  times  we  put  our  ears  on  the  track,  to  listen, 
when  there  was  danger  that  we  might  meet  it  coming  around 
a  curve. 

The  long,  dark  Paw  Paw  tunnel  we  knew  was  especially 
dangerous,  as  to  meet  a  train  in  that  meant  destruction;  so 
we  put  our  ears  to  the  track  at  its  mouth,  and  hearing  no 
train,  plunged  into  the  Stygian  darkness.  Though  going  up 
the  river  it  was  down-grade  through  that  tunnel,  and  we 
made  good  time.  We  rode  about  fifteen  miles  that  night, 
and  stopped  at  "  No.  12 "  till  morning,  when  we  went  on, 
reaching  Patterson's  Creek  about  noon. 

At  Patterson's  Creek  we  received  from  a  brigade  quar 
termaster  whom  we  had  carried  several  miles  011  the  hand 
car  a  cordial  invitation  to  dinner  at  an  eating-house.  He 

O 

went  in  with  us  and  ordered  our  dinner.  When  we  got 
through  we  found  he  had  decamped,  leaving  us  to  pay  the 
bill.  From  Patterson's  Creek  a  train  took  us  to  Cumber 
land. 

At  Cumberland  we  were  quartered  in  an  old  theater, 
which  answered  very  well  for  a  sleeping-room,  but,  as  there 
was  no  fire  or  other  means  of  heating  this  large  room,  it  was 
a  cheerless  place  for  any  other  purpose.  There  was  a  small 
room  adjoining  this  where  the  cooking  was  done,  that  a  few 
could  crowd  into,  and  had  the  men  been  allowed  to  sleep  till 
daylight,  when  they  could  scatter  around  town  and  get  warm 
in  the  stores,  it  would  have  saved  much  needless  suffering. 

But  Captain  Slaughter  wanted  to  put  on  style  and 
astonish  the  natives.  He  had  an  official  account  of  his 
great  services  at  Great  Cacapon  published  in  the  Cumberland 
papers,  and  he  was  not  at  all  modest  in  his  claims  of  credit. 
To  keep  up  military  discipline  he  had  the  men  roused  up  to 
roll-call  regularly,  two  hours  before  daylight,  when  they 
were  compelled  to  stand  around  that  cheerless  room,  shiver 
ing  with  cold,  till  daylight,  when  they  could  get  warm  in 
offices  and  stores  about  town.  The  severe  cold  I  caught  in 


REMINISCENCES  OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.          317 

the  slat-car,  011  the  way  to  Cumberland,  had  been  added  to, 
and  soon  after  my  return  from  the  trip  after  Sherwood,  my 
cough  became  very  trying,  and  nobody  that  saw  or  heard 
me  needed  to  be  told  that  I  was  seriously  ill.  Those  who 
were  sick,  or  wished  to  be  considered  so,  had  comrades 
answer  "sick"  for  them  at  roll-call. 

The  morning  of  January  15th,  Captain  Slaughter  him 
self  attended  this  early  roll-call,  and  seeing  that  about  one- 
third  were  reported  sick,  he  gave  orders  that  every  man  thus 
reported  should  at  once  go  011  duty  or  go  to  the  hospital. 
Nearly  all  reported  for  duty,  but  I  and  three  or  four 
others  said  we  would  go  to  the  hospital,  as  we  needed  care 
and  medicine.  Orderly  Greene  went  with  us  to  the  hos 
pital,  which  was.  found  to  be  full,  but  the  doctor  in  charge 
gave  us  medicine. 

The  next  morning  this  same  Orderly  Greene  came  to  me 
and  said  I  must  go  on  duty  as  guard  in  the  streets  of  Cum 
berland.     In  vain  I  told  him  I  was  sick  and  reminded  him 
that  he  took  me  to  the  hospital  the  day  before,  and  I  was 
under  the  doctor's  care,  and  would  be  in  the  hospital  were  it 
not  full.     He  said  it  was  the  Captain's  orders,  and  I  should 
go  on  duty  or  go  to  the  guard-house.     As  a  cold  rain  was 
falling  at  the  time  I  feared  it  might  cost  me  my  life  if  I  was 
exposed  to  it,  and  told  him  I  would  go  to  the  guard-house, 
though    I  felt  the  disgrace  keenly,  as  I  had  never  before 
been  in  the  guard-house,  or   even  on  extra  duty,  for  any 
offense.     He  said  I  was  detailed  for  extra  duty  for  not 
being  at  roll-call  the  morning  before;  the  very  morning  he 
had  taken  me  to  the  hospital.     Several  members  of  the  same 
"  mess  "  with  me  (No.  1),  learning  that  I  was  to  be  taken  to 
the  guard-house  for  disobedience,  came  at  this  juncture,  and 
made  a  great  ado  about  the  disgrace  it  would  bring  on  the 
mess  if  I  went  to  the  guard-house,  and  so  worked. on  my 
feelings  that  I  yielded.     Before  we  started  Captain  Slaughter 
came  in,  and  I  appealed  to  him,  but  in  vain. 


318  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

When  we  first  reached  Cumberland  I  promptly  wrote 
my  father  a  full  account  of  the  Great  Cacapon  affair,  telling 
how  Lieutenant  Rudd  denounced  Slaughter's  cowardice. 
The  entire  letter  was  published  in  the  Northern  Illinoisan 
and  was  copied  by  other  papers.  I  afterwards  learned  that 
Slaughter  had  seen  that  account,  and  for  that  reason  wanted 
to  slaughter  me. 

By  the  providence  of  God  I  was  stationed  that  day  at  a 
stairway  where  I  was  sheltered  from  the  rain.  My  terrible 
cough  attracted  the  attention  even  of  passers  on  the  street, 
and  a  lady  living  near  by  who  noticed  my  condition  brought 
me  a  cup  of  splendid,  hot  coffee ;  so  it  is  possible  that  I  got 
no  harm  from  the  exposure. 

But  I  cherish  no  feeling  of  revenge  towards  either  of 
these  men.  Orderly  Greene  was  afterwards  reduced  to  the 
ranks.  Captain  Slaughter  soon  left  the  service  and  is  now 
dead.  I  met  him  last  in  Omaha,  Neb.,  at  which  time  he  was 
pastor  of  a  Methodist  church  and  chaplain  of  the  legisla 
ture.  He  greeted  me  cordially,  and  I  visited  the  legislature 
with  him  at  his  earnest  invitation. 

The  only  other  incidents  that  I  will  mention  are  con 
nected  with  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  May  14th  to  16th, 
1864. 

As  we  came  into  line  of  battle  Saturday  afternoon,  in 
easy  range  and  in  plain  sight  of  the  rebel  works,  a  shell  burst 
amongst  us,  a  piece  of  it  striking  Colonel  Osborn's  elbow, 
and  a  large  piece,  the  force  of  which  was  nearly  spent,  strik 
ing  a  comrade  near  me  on  his  side,  and  though  it  knocked 
him  over,  as  it  was  the  smooth  or  rounded  side  that  struck 
him,  he  was  simply  bruised  by  it.  There  we  lay  till  dark, 
under  an  incessant  fire  of  both  artillery  and  infantry,  and  if 
ever  a  lot  of  men  got  weary  lying  on  the  ground,  we  certainly 
did.  But  the  darkness  hid  us,  and  during  the  night  some 
one  got  hold  of  a  shovel,  and  with  that  single  shovel  ( I 
think  there  was  but  one)  a  ditch  was  dug  which,  with  the 


REMINISCENCES  OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.          31Q 

dirt  from  it,  made  a  great  protection  to  all  who  chose  to  sit 
or  kneel  in  the  ditch. 

Bullets  were  constantly  whizzing  by  us,  and  several 
were  hit.  A  comrade  close  by  me  had  his  throat  cut  by  a 
bullet  on  Sabbath  morning,  while  eating  his  breakfast. 

The  Richmond  and  Petersburg  railroad  ran  through 
the  battlefield,  the  main  body  of  the  army  extending  from 
the  railroad  to  the  James  river  on  the  right,  but  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  extended  from  the  railroad  to  the  left. 

Early  Monday  morning,  in  a  dense  fog,  the  rebels  made 
a  furious  attack  on  the  entire  line  and  the  right  seemed  to 
yield  at  once.  Skirmishers  in  front  of  our  line  gave  the 
alarm  and  we  were  ready  for  them  and  opened  on  them  "fire 
by  file! "  Under  our  incessant  fire  the  line  soon  wavered 
and  broke.  The  lifting  fog  gave  us  a.  good  view  of  them. 
Line  after  line  formed  and  advanced  to  the  same  fate.  The 
sound  of  battle,  however,  soon  told  us  that  the  battle  line  on 
our  right  had  been  forced  far  back  of  us,  and  a  galling  fire 
was  opened  on  our  flank  by  a  force  just  across  the  railroad. 
We  retreated  in  good  order  to  the  edge  of  the  woods,  a  few 
rods  away,  when  every  man  seemed  to  yell,  Halt!  We  paid 
our  respects  to  the  "Johnnies"  across  the  railroad,  who 
soon  ran,  and  then  the  cry  was  passed,  "  Hurrah  for  our 
ditch!"  I  think  the  man  who  started  that  cry  was  a  new 
recruit  close  by  me,  for  I  first  heard  it  from  him,  but  it  was 
echoed  all  along  the  line.  He  furnished  us  an  excellent 
example  of  valor  without  discipline.  Noticing  that  his  bay 
onet  was  not  fixed  I  told  him  to  fix  bayonet,  and  was  not 
surprised  to  learn,  on  asking  him,  that  his  gun  was  empty. 
He  loaded  quickly,  and  was  ready  to  start  with  us  by  the 
time  our  rallying  cry  had  passed  down  the  line,  and  away  we 
went,  and  hustled  out  the  few  rebels  who  had  got  into  our 
ditch.  Brave  Captain  Eudd  was  the  only  commissioned 
officer  I  saw  with  us.  Soon  after  our  return  to  our  ditch  a 
rebel  force  appeared  directly  in  our  rear  and  close  at  hand. 


320  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"Surrender!"  yelled  the  rebel  leader. 

"Surrender  yourself!"  answered  Captain  Kudd. 

"Fire!"  yelled  the  rebel,  and  every  man  of  us  fell  flat, 

"Up  and  at  them!"  commanded  Captain  Kudd,  and 
with  a  volley,  a  yell,  and  the  bayonet,  that  rebel  force  was 
cleared  out  in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  recount  the  fact.  It 
was  evidently  time  for  us  to  join  the  main  body  of  the  army, 
then  far  in  our  rear,  as  we  could  tell  by  the  noise  of  battle; 
so  we  leisurely  withdrew,  following  the  course  of  the  rail 
road. 

Sergeant  Spencer,  previously  referred  to,  brought  up 
the  rear,  and  when  out  of  sight  of  the  rebels  behind  us,  he 
stepped  up  to  the  railroad,  which  was  there  about  breast 
high,  and  seeing  a  squad  of  "  Johnnies,"  let  drive,  and  called 
to  me  asking  if  I  did  not  want  a  good  shot.  I  ran  over,  and 
as  he  stood  loading  I  threw  my  gun  into  the  fork  of  a  sap 
ling  and  took  deliberate  aim  at  one  of  the  squad  just  across 
the  railroad.  With  the  report  of  my  gun,  I  heard  Spencer 
yell  "  Cook! "  and  turned  to  find  a  large  rebel  force  right  on 
to  me,  certainly  not  three  rods  away.  The  dense  underbrush 
had  concealed  their  approach.  Just  as  I  faced  them  one  of 
them  fired  and  shattered  my  right  hand,  and  the  stock  of  my 
gun  just  in  front  of  the  lock.  The  ball  and  two  of  the  three 
buckshot  tore  through  the  inside  of  my  hand,  and  nipped  the 
end  of  the  little  finger.  I  then  turned  and  ran  the  gauntlet 
of  a  perfect  cyclone  of  bullets,  amid  yells  of  "  Halt! "  "Sur 
render!"  "Shoot  him!"  "Kill  him!"  and  other  choice 
greetings.  The  dense  underbrush  favored  me,  and  though 
bullets  through  my  clothing  told  how  narrow  was  my  escape, 
I  speedily  overtook  Sergeant  Spencer  and  we  were  soon  out 
of  sight  of  our  pursuers. 

On  seeing  that  I  was  wounded,  Sergeant  Spencer  insisted 
on  taking  my  gun  which  I  still  held  on  to,  and  then  I  saw 
he  had  lost  his.  He  said  that  on  hearing  a  noise  behind 
him  he  turned,  and,  seeing  the  rebels,  started  to  run,  when 


REMINISCENCES   OF  EZRA   A.  COOK,  COMPANY   G.         321 

he  found  his  gun  caught  by  a  root  or  branch,  and  so  he 
left  it. 

I  had  become  much  attached  to  that  rifled  musket,  and 
hoped  to  take  it  home  with  me,  as  we  were  told  we  would  be 
allowed  to  buy  them,  but  I  have  not  seen  it  since,  as  poor 
Spencer  received  a  wound  from  which  he  died,  but  a  short 
time  afterwards. 

Before  we  overtook  the  company  I  became  very  weak 
from  loss  of  blood,  and  but  for  the  fact  that  I  got  a  chance 
to  soak  my  wound  in  the  cold  swamp- water,  and  wrap  it  in  a 
large  handkerchief  also  wet,  I  should  probably  have  soon 
fainted.  As  it  was  I  could  hardly  keep  my  feet  with  the  aid 
of  a  comrade.  We,  however,  duly  reached  the  main  body  of 
the  army,  much  to  the  surprise  of  its  commander,  we  were 
afterwards  told.  He  did  not  doubt  that  we  had  been  cap 
tured. 

Some  coal-cars  had  been  captured,  and  in  these  many  of 
the  wounded  were  conveyed  towards  the  field  hospital.  I 
was  helped  into  one  of  these,  and  soon  felt  better,  as  the  chill 
from  the  cold  water  had  checked  the  bleeding.  When  we 
came  to  another  group  of  wounded  men  and  I  saw  there  was 
not  room  for  them  all,  I  climbed  out  and  started  on  foot  for 
camp  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  for  some  time  walking  just 
behind  an  ambulance.  Just  as  we  got  in  sight  of  the  field 
hospital  the  cry  was  raised,  "Rebel  cavalry!  Rebel  cavalry 
are  coming!  " 

The  fields  and  roads  were  full  of  stragglers,  most  of 
them  Colonel  Dandy's  New  York  regiment,  and  as  this  rebel 
cavalry  cry  was  raised  I  saw  Colonel  Dandy  trying  to  rally 
his  men.  Pointing  his  revolver  at  a  group  of  men  on  the 
run  towards  camp  he  would  yell  "Halt!"  and  they  would 
stop  till  he  turned  to  another  squad,  when  they  ran  on  again. 
A  moment  after,  the  rebels  with  a  yell  and  a  volley  were 
upon  them,  and  doubtless  most  of  them  were  captured.  A 
squad  of  rebels  even  fired  into  the  ambulance  that  I  had 

21 


322  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

been  following,  and  though  they  may  not  have  hurt  any  one 
in  it  they  did  wound  one  of  the  horses.  I  think  this  ambu 
lance  escaped  capture,  for  from  my  hiding  place  in  the  under 
brush  I  saw  them  dashing  along  at  a  furious  rate,  one  horse 
apparently  on  three  legs,  he  was  so  badly  wounded. 

As  I  was  not  in  fighting  trim,  though  I  had  picked  up 
a  sword,  which  I  carried  into  camp,  I  kept  out  of  sight  till 
the  cavalry  dash  was  over,  and  then  quietly  proceeded  to 
camp. 

The  coal-car  in  which  I  rode  a  short  distance  was  cap- 
tared  with  its  occupants,  and  poor  Luscomb,  of  my  own 
company,  whom  I  left  in  it,  with  a  wound  in  the  arm,  died 
in  the  rebel  hospital  at  Petersburg. 

During  that  night  what  was  left  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
arrived  in  camp,  and  the  next  morning  I  was  glad  to  restore 
to  its  owner  the  sword  I  had  picked  up  on  the  battle-field. 
It  belonged  to  Lieutenant  Kingsbury,  of  Company  E,  whose 
arm  was  being  amputated  when  I  sent  the  sword  to  his  tent 
for  him. 

Though  my  wound  was  then  painful,  I  had  no  idea  that 
it  was  of  so  serious  a  character  as  it  proved  to  be.  The  fol 
lowing  morning  the  rebels  attacked  our  camp,  and  with  the 
bullets  whistling  around  me  I  was  sent  to  the  brigade  field- 
hospital,  thence  to  Fort  Monroe,  and  from  there  by  boat 
to  the  great  Government  hospital  on  David's  Island,  New 
York  harbor.  By  this  time  I  began  to  realize  that  my  wound 
was  pretty  serious.  The  whole  inside  of  my  right  hand  was 
a  mass  of  torn  flesh ;  gangrene  soon  developed,  and  I  became 
very  weak  and  restless  from  the  intense  pain,  especially  when 
the  flesh  was  being  burned  with  bromide,  as  it  was  daily. 

To  MY  RIGID  TEMPERANCE  PRINCIPLES  I  OWE  MY 
RIGHT  HAND,  without  doubt.  Whisky  was  sent  in  for  my 
use,  as  it  was  for  all  the  severely  wounded,  and  I  feared 
I  would  be  forced  to  take  it.  On  appealing  to  Surgeon 
Thompson  he  said  I  should  have  the  best  wine  there  was 


REMINISCENCES   OF  EZRA  A.  COOK,  COMPANY  G.  323 

in  the  hospital  instead  of  whisky.     I  stated  my  objections 
to  all   stimulants,   and  was  not    a    little  astonished   to  find 
that    Dr.   Thompson's   views   exactly   coincided  with    mine. 
He  explained  that  he  was  under  authority  and  had  orders 
to  furnish  stimulants  to  those  who  were  weak  from  wounds, 
but  was  not  under  orders  to  force  men   to  take  them;    so 
it  was   agreed  that  I   should    take  none,   and   the  decision 
was   rigidly  adhered   to.     I    bore  the  terrible  pain  of  cut 
ting  and   burning  my  wound  without   anything   to  deaden 
it.     The  flesh  was  cut  and  burned  away  clear  to  the  bone, 
leaving    the    large    cords    on    the    right    side    of    my   hand 
entirely   bare,  the    flesh   around   and   beneath    them    being 
removed,   and  while  dressing    the  wound  one    morning    an 
artery  burst,  and  Dr.  Thompson  worked  over  me  the  entire 
day,   not    less  than   seven  hours   consecutively,  not  leaving 
even  for  his  dinner.      The  gangrene  had  at  last  been  cut 
and  burned  away,  and  my  hand  began  to  heal,  and  was  a 
marvelous   sight.       Hundreds,   many  of    them  soldiers  who 
had   lost    a    limb,   came    to  look  at    it  when    it  was   being 
dressed.     It  seemed  as  if  you  could  see  the  new  flesh  grow 
while  you  were  looking  at  it.      I  was  assured  by  the  hospital 
attendants  that  the  saving  of  my  hand  seemed  almost  mirac 
ulous.      They  supposed,  as  soon  as  they  saw  it,  that  it  would 
have  to  be  amputated,   and  did  not  believe   Dr.  Thompson 
could    save    it.     While    I    was    there    limbs    less    seriously 
wounded  were  daily  amputated,  and  an  officer  with  a  flesh- 
wound  in  the  arm  died  of  lock-jaw.      The   muscles  of   my 
hand  contracted  so  as  to  draw  my  hand  around  at  nearly  a 
right  angle  with  my  arm,  and  it  was  double  its  normal  thick 
ness  when   it  was  healed  five  months  after  I  was  wounded, 
and    I    had   very    imperfect    control    of   my    fingers.      Dr. 
Thompson  recommended  that  I  should,  whenever  I  could, 
whether  sitting  or  standing,  gently  strain  on  my  hand  and 
fingers  till  they  were  straight,  and  the  plan  proved  effective, 
though  it  took  fully  five  years  to  accomplish  it. 


324  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

It  was  evident  that  my  days  of  military  service  were 
over,  and  I  learned  soon  after  I  reached  the  hospital  that 
my  discharge  was  recommended,  but  it  did  not  reach  me 
till  August  23d,  just  eleven  days  before  my  time  was  out, 
when  I  naturally  hurried  home. 

That  winter  (1864-65)  I  taught  school  in  Champaign 
county,  and  on  my  way  home  secured  a  clerkship  in  a 
stationery  store  in  Chicago,  where  I  served  a  little  less  than 
three  years,  when,  in  December,  1867,  I  started  a  manufac 
turing  stationery  business  at  88  La  Salle  street,  where  I  was 
burned  out  in  the  great  fire  of  1871. 

SEARCHING  FOR  BURIED  WEALTH. 
BY  COMRADE  MANN. 

A  ludicrous  incident  occurred  at  the  field  hospital  just 
after  the  fight  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  May  20th,  1864. 

When  night  approached,  Colonel  Mann,  who  had  passed 
through  the  ordeal  of  Surgeon  Clark's  anaesthetics,  scalpels, 
and  prophylactics,  was  removed  from  the  shade  of  a  spread 
ing  oak  and  placed,  by  the  Doctor's  order,  in  a  large  brick 
smoke-house  for  the  night,  it  being  the  best  accommodation 
at  hand.  Near  midnight,  an  officer  displaying  the  rank  of  a 
Lieutenant  of  cavalry  struck  a  light  at  the  door  and  desired 
to  know  who  was  there.  On  being  told,  he  demanded  that 
the  patient  vacate  the  place  at  once,  as  it  was  to  be  searched 
for  silver  plate  which  one  of  his  dusky  attendants,  now  a 
soldier,  assured  him  had  been  buried  there  by  his  former 
master. 

A  little  deliberation,  and  the  patient  told  the  officer  that 
it  would  be  necessary  for  the  surgeon  to  direct  his  removal, 
and  a  guard  stationed  near  by  was  sent  for  Dr.  Clark.  The 
door  was  closed,  and  it  was  determined  that  the  Doctor 
should  send  for  assistance  and  a  stretcher,  and  the  prospectors 
were  so  advised. 


SEARCHING  FOR  BURIED    WEALTH.  325 

A  moment  later  the  Doctor  returned,  and  with  him  a 
corporal  and  four  armed  soldiers.  The  Surgeon  now  placed 
the  Lieutenant  and  his  two  soldiers  in  arrest.  A  parley  fol 
lowed,  in  which  the  Lieutenant  insisted  that  the  wounded 
officer  was  resting  over  much  wealth,  and  that  one-half  of  it 
was  at  the  Doctor's  disposal  if  he  would  let  the  search  be 
made.  The  bribe  was  refused,  and  the  intruders  were 
marched  beyond  the  hospital  lines  and  ordered  to  "git." 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  early  next  morning 
Dr.  Clark  and  his  patient  both  thought  it  admissable  to  have 
the  premises  searched,  and  a  careful  investigation  was  made, 
but  without  discovering  any  plate  or  treasure. 

This  reminds  the  writer  of  more  remunerative  "dig 
gings"  discovered  by  some  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  boys  and 
others,  the  following  winter,  near  General  Butler's  famous 
"Dutch  Gap"  canal. 

Fatigue-parties  prosecuted  the  work  on  this  great 
scheme  for  getting  nearer  to  Kichmond,  in  reliefs,  and  those 
off  duty  frequently  killed  time  by  fishing  in  the  James  river. 
In  searching  for  bait,  a  soldier  lifted  a  board  that  rested 
beneath  a  large  apple  tree,  and  began  digging  for  worms  with 
his  bayonet.  A  few  inches  deeper  he  came  in  contact  with 
another  board.  This  was  found  to  cover  a  small  iron  kettle 
which  contained  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  dollars 
in  gold  and  silver  coin.  A  great  scramble  followed,  in  which 
the  Thirty-Ninth  chaps  got  away  with  about  one-tenth  part 
of  the  plunder. 

This  money  had  evidently  been  buried  there  in  July  of 
1862,  when  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  approaching  Har 
rison's  Landing,  near  by.  The  occupants  of  the  place  had 
fled,  and  the  house  had  been  burned,  probably  by  shells 
from  our  gun-boats  in  that  region. 


326  THIRTY-NINTH   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS. 

THE  LAST  TO  CROSS  THE  KIVEE  AT  SIR  JOHN'S  EUN. 
A  REMINISCENCE    OF    CAPTAIN  E.  C.  MYERS,  COMPANY  K. 

On  the  night  of  January  4th  all  of  the  troops  had 
crossed  the  river  by  eight  o'clock  excepting  the  Pennsyl 
vania  regiment,  which  followed  the  railway  to  Alpine  Station, 
and  the  last  company  to  cross  was  Company  K,  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth. 

Captain  Woodruff  and  myself — I  was  then  a  Sergeant- 
lingered  a  little  with  the  hope  of  securing  a  boat,  as  one  or 
two  had  been  in  use  ferrying  over  the  sick  and  disabled. 
The  idea  of  fording  the  river  was  not  at  all  inviting  that  cold 
night.  While  waiting  and  watching  for  a  boat  I  discovered 
quite  a  number  of  muskets  lying  around,  perhaps  a  dozen 
or  more,  that  had  been  purposely  thrown  away  by  some  of 
the  men  before  they  took  to  the  water.  They  were  all 
loaded.  I  gathered  them  together  and  said  to  the  Captain, 
who  was  becoming  impatient  and  somewhat  fearful  of  the 
enemy's  approach,  that  we  had  the  means  for  making  a  fail- 
defense,  even  if  we  were  attacked ;  and  as  the  night  was  quite 
dark  the  enemy  could  not  estimate  our  force,  and  by  the 
rapid  discharge  of  our  dozen  muskets  they  could  be  held  in 
check,  anyhow,  until  we  crossed  the  river. 

Soon  I  saw  a  boat  near  the  opposite  shore  with  a  man 
in  it,  and  I  called  to  him  to  come  over;  but  he  paid  no 
attention  whatever.  I  then  aimed  a  gun  at  him  and  told 
him  to  bring  that  boat  over  or  I  would  shoot.  This  proved 
a  bad  move  on  my  part,  for  the  man,  doubtless  thinking  us 
to  be  rebels,  left  his  boat  and  sprang  up  and  over  the  canal 
bank  for  shelter.  There  was  then  no  hope  from  that  direc 
tion,  and  we  had  about  concluded  to  ford  the  river  when  I 
saw  a  man  in  a  boat  coming  across  from  another  direction. 
He  evidently  had  not  seen  us,  and  passed  by,  landing  some 
rods  below  where  we  stood. 

It  was  now  so  dusky  that  we  could  not  distinguish  who 


SUTLER  BROWN  IN  A   RAGE.  327 

or  what  the  man  was — -whether  a  soldier  or  civilian,  and  did 
not  much  care,  being  more  exercised  about  getting  safely 
over  the  river  with  a  dry  skin  than  aught  else.  The  man  in 
the  boat,  after  landing,  drew  it  up  on  the  shore  and  imme 
diately  started  off  through  the  woods  at  a  lively  pace,  as 
though  he  had  some  important  business,  and  I  have  since 
thought  that  he  was  a  spy. 

We  immediately  went  to  the  boat  and  took  possession, 
and  after  putting  the  muskets  aboard,  started  across  the 
river.  Landing  safely,  we  found  a  portion  of  our  men  still 
there,  and  after  disposing  of  the  muskets  we  started  for 
Hancock.  On  reaching  the  hotel  sometime  after  midnight, 
I  sought  a  place  to  rest  myself,  and  going  up-stairs  entered 
a  room  which  was  occupied  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann, 
who  was  stretched  out  on  the  bed,  boots  and  all,  and  with 
permission  I  laid  down  beside  him,  hoping  for  a  little  rest. 

The  room  we  occupied  had  early  in  the  evening  been 
pierced  by  a  six-pounder  solid  shot  fired  by  the  enemy,  and 
in  its  passage  had  cut  off  the  foot-board.  It  was  then  occu 
pied  by  the  chaplain  of  the  Eighty-Fourth  Pennsylvania 
regiment,  who  naturally  got  out,  and  it  was  owing  to  this 
circumstance  that  the  Lieutenant- Colonel  had  secured  the 
bed.  The  night  passed  quietly  enough  except  for  the  noise 
made  by  the  men  down  below,  who  were  busy  in  drying 
their  clothing  and  making  a  resting-place  on  tables,  chairs, 
and  floor. 


SUTLER  BROWN  IN  A  EAGE. 

While  stopping  at  Patterson's  Creek,  Va.,  in  February, 
1862,  the  weather  was  something  horrible,  raining  daily, 
and  the  mud  was  ankle  deep.  There  were  many  on  the  sick 
list,  due  to  the  inclement  weather.  One  evening  a  heavy 
detail  of  men  was  called  for  to  go  out  on  a  recomioissance, 
as  it  was  rumored  that  a  portion  of  General  Jackson's  army 


328  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

was  approaching.  After  the  detail  had  been  made  they  were 
ordered  by  the  Colonel,  at  the  suggestion  of  Surgeon  S.  C. 
Blake,  to  be  brought  into  line  at  the  commissary's  head 
quarters  and  be  given  a  ration  of  quinine  and  whisky  as  a 
prophylactic  and  to  tone  the  men  up  for  their  work  in  such 
nasty  weather. 

They  were  accordingly  brought  forward  into  line  be 
fore  a  barrel  one-third  full  of  commissary  whisky,  into 
which  had  been  dumped  an  ounce  of  quinine,  and  Hospital 
Steward  De  Normandie,  provided  with  a  gill  cup,  proceeded 
to  deal  out  the  ration.  The  majority  of  the  men  considered 
it  a  treat;  so  much  so,  in  fact,  that  they  took  advantage  of 
the  occasion  (not  knowing  when  it  would  be  repeated)  to 
make  it  a  good  and  satisfactory  one,  and  many  of  them, 
eluding  the  vigilance  of  the  steward,  Avould,  after  getting 
their  ration,  slip  around  and  fall  into  line  for  another  one, 
and  thus  got  more  than  they  could  comfortably  carry.  It 
would  have  been  all  right  if  the  detail  had  started  out,  but 
before  all  was  in  readiness  an  order  came  countermanding 
the  movement,  and  the  men  were  dismissed  and  sent  to  their 
quarters. 

A  half  hour  had  perhaps  elapsed  when  Sutler  Brown 
made  his  appearance  at  headquarters  demanding  in  a  very 
excited  manner  to  see  the  Colonel.  On  the  appearance  of 
that  officer  his  pent-up  wrath  found  expression  in  some  very 
forcible  and  emphatic  language. 

"Those  d d  soldiers  of  yours  have  broken  into  my 

quarters  and  stolen  all  the  cordials,  bitters  and  everything 
else  they  could  lay  hands  on,  and  the  whole  shanty  is  a 
wreck,  Sir — they  are  all  drunk  as  lords  on  the  quinine  and 

whisky  that  those  d d  surgeons  dealt  out  to  them  awhile 

ago;  and  by  G — ,  Sir,  I'm  ruined!"  He  spluttered  around 
at  a  great  rate,  demanding  payment,  and  punishment  of  the 
whole  lot.  He  was  quieted  down,  however,  with  the  assur 
ance  that  the  matter  should  be  looked  into,  and  the  officer 


SUTLER   BROWN  IN  A    RAGE.  329 

of  the  guard  was  sent  for  and  instructed  to  go  and  repair 
damages  and  arrest  the  riotous  proceedings  as  well  as  the 
offenders.  This  was  the  last  of  the  quinine  and  whisky 
ration  during  that  campaign. 


CHAPTEE    XXI. 


DEVOTED    TO    NARRATIVE,    INCIDENTS,    AND 
MISCELLANY. 


George  Riddle's  Experiences — Narrative  of  Martin  Van  Buren  Peters — 
Narrative  of  William  H.  Howard — Emile  Guntz's  Prison  Experience 
at  Andersonville,  Ga. — An  Incident  at  Castle  Thunder,  Richmond, 
Told  by  David  H.  Slagle— The  "  Bummers  "  in  New  York  City— Let 
ter  from  Sergeant  E.  J.  Thayer  to  Captain  Snowden  Relative  to  the 
Skirmish  of  June  16th,  1864 — General  Shields  Gives  the  Band  an 
Irish  "Compliment'' — Reminiscence  of  Surgeon  S.  C.  Blake:  Female 
Spies — Dr.  De  Normandie  on  Guard — The  Wilmington  Monument — - 
General  Grant's  Terms  of  Surrender — The  Place  of  Lee's  Surrender 
—  A  Confederate  Song —  Poem,  Dedicated  to  the  Thirty-Ninth,  by 
Mrs.  Mary  C.  White — The  Regimental  Flags,  and  the  Eagle. 


GEORGE  RIDDLE,  COMPANY  I,  TELLS  SOME  or  His 
EXPERIENCES. 

"IV  \ Y  first  night  in  camp,  and  my  breakfast  the  next  morn 
ing,  somewhat  disappointed  me.  I  was  taken  to  a  tent 
and  told  that  I  could  sleep  there.  They  didn't  even  ask  me 
if  I  preferred  to  sleep  alone  or  with  some  one,  but  just  told 
me  that  I  could  sleep  there.  So  I  rolled  myself  up  in  a 
wisp  of  straw  and  managed  to  pass  the  night  quite  comfort 
ably.  In  the  morning  I  heard  a  rattling  of  drums  all 
around  me  and  the  boys  all  tumbled  out  "hollering"  "  Boll 
call!  roll  call!! "  so  I  rolled  out  too.  They  told  me  to  "get 
in  line  there! "  and  I  got  into  line  same  as  the  rest.  Then 
they  called  "breakfast!  "  and  I  saw  all  the  boys  run,  and  I 
followed,  and  got  around  a  table  made  out  of  some  rough 
boards  put  on  sticks  driven  in  the  ground  for  legs.  I  found 
a  piece  of  fat  meat  on  a  tin  plate,  and  a  tin  cup  with  some 


EXPERIENCES  OF  GEORGE  RIDDLE,  COMPANY  I.  331 

black  stuff  in  it,  and  a  little  "hunk"  of  bread.  The  boys 
all  "pitched  in!"  but  I  thought  I'd  wait  until  breakfast  was 
ready.  I  didn't  see  no  sugar,  no  cream  or  butter — no- 
potatoes;  in  fact,  nothing  but  a  little  fat  meat,  and  bread, 
and  the  little  tin  of  what  they  called  coffee.  I  still  kept 
waiting,  thinking  they  would  soon  bring  on  something  like 
what  us  boys  had  been  used  to.  By  this  time  the  "boys  " 
had  "downed''  the  meat  and  bread.  They  shouted  out  for 
me  to  "grab  hold"  and  make  myself  at  home.  And  then  I 
did. 

My  first  night  on  guard  (it  so  happened  that  during 
our  stay  in  Chicago  I  did  not  have  to  go  on  guard  duty) 
came  at  Beiiton  Barracks.  I  got  along  fine  in  the  day  time, 
but,  Oh,  Lord!  the  trouble  I  had  that  night!  They  gave 
me  an  old  carbine  that  Santa  Anna  had  in  the  Mexican  war! 
and  put  me  on  a  "  beat"  close  to  a  little  lot  that  had  corn  in 
it,  and  gave  me  the  "countersign,"  which  I  never  will  for 
get  ;  but  I  forgot  it  that  night.  They  told  me  that  I  must 
keep  a  good  "look  out!"  for  they  were  looking  for  "  Price's" 
whole  army  to  come  on  us. 

My  relief  was  put  on  at  twelve  o'clock  that  night,  and  I 
had  to  look  out  for  Price  and  the  "grand  rounds"  both,  and 
it  kept  me  so  busy  that  I  forgot  part  of  the  "  countersign," 
which  was  "Sangomingo."  I  could  think  of  "  Sango,"  but 
for  my  life  I  couldn't  think  of  "  mingo,"  so  I  walked  to  the 
other  sentinel  and  asked  him  what  it  was.  He  said,  "  By 
golly!  I've  forgot  it  too!"  but  he  said  it  was  "  mingo"  some 
thing.  "All  right!"  I  said,  "I've  got  it  now — 'Sango 
mingo  ! ' ' 

It  was  n't  long  then  before  the  "  grand  rounds  "  came. 
I  could  hear  the  other  sentinels  halt  them,  and  my  heart 
began  to  flutter.  I  let  Price  and  his  army  go  to  thunder 
and  I  stuck  to  the  "  countersign"  and  the  "  grand  rounds." 
When  they  came  up  within  speaking  distance  I  cried  out, 
"  Halt!"  and  they  halted,  and  for  the  life  of  me  I  couldn't 


332  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

think  of  what  else  to  say,  and  they  still  halted!  I  thought 
I  must  say  something,  so  I  says  "  Come  on  with  your  grand 
rounds!"  and  they  came  up,  and  I  saw  it  was  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Osborn  and  Dr.  Clark;  and  the  Colonel  says, 
"  Soldier!  don't  you  know  the  duties  of  a  sentinel?"  "  Yes, 
sir,"  says  I.  "Well,  I  don't  think  you  do,"  says  he;  "and 
I'll  report  you  to  your  company  commander."  This  kind  of 
fiustrated  me,  for  I  thought  I  had  halted  them  all  right — 
just  as  good  as  a  soldier  of  1812. 

Soon  after  I  heard  a  noise  in  the  cornfield  near  by,  and 
thinks  I,  Price  and  his  men  are  coming!  I  listened  closely, 
and  felt  sure  I  could  hear  them,  and  cocked  the  old  carbine 
to  be  ready;  but  they  never  came.  But  I'll  tell  you,  if  they 
had  come,  I  would  have  cleaned  them  out  right  then  and 
there  and  gone  to  camp  faster  than  a  bank  cashier  going  to 
Canada. 

The  first  time  I  was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  and 
ordered  to  "load  at  will,"  I  would  much  rather  have  taken 
the  time  and  came  home  to  load,  for  I  was  somewhat  scared. 
My  heart  got  between  my  teeth  and  I  couldn't  bite  my  cart 
ridge,  so  I  finally  got  it  torn  off;  and  the  trouble  was  then 
to  hit  the  gun-barrrel  with  the  cartridge,  for  the  muzzle  of 
the  gun  wasn't  half  large  enough.  If  it  had  been  as  large 
as  an  iron  kettle,  I  don't  think  I  could  have  got  my  cartridge 
in  it ;  but  I  finally  got  her  loaded,  but  had  a  hard  time  return 
ing  the  rammer.  You  may  think  I  was  scared!  but  I  got 
'er  there  all  the  same,  Eli! 

,  The  first  time  we  were  called  upon  to  charge  a  battery 
was  at  Winchester,  Ya.,  or  at  least  I  thought  we  were  going 
to  charge,  and  I  made  my  preparations  accordingly.  As  you 
all  remember,  we  were  on  the  left,  and  the  rebels  had  their 
battery  off  in  the  woods.  They  shelled  us  pretty  lively.  I'll 
tell  you  what  I  thought  then,  boys!  At  that  time  I  had  two 
months'  pay  due  me,  and  I  thought,  if  the  Colonel  was  willing, 
I  would  give  my  two  months'  pay  and  get  the  other  boys  to 


EXPERIENCES   OF  GEORGE  RIDDLE,  COMPANY  I.  333 

"  chip  "  in  and  buy  the  "  dumb'd  "  battery  and  have  no  fuss 
about  it.  But  as  good  luck  would  have  it,  the  battery  pulled 
off  and  left  just  as  they  heard  the  Thirteenth  Indiana 
"holler,"  and  I  felt  considerably  better. 

Now  I  will  tell  you  how  I  bought  "  applejack"  without 
money. 

While  we  were  at  Suffolk,  Ya. .  our  company  was  ordered 
out  on  the  railroad  towards  Blackwater,  and  when  we  got 
out  some  distance  they  wanted  a  "darkey"  to  stop  at  a 
wood-pile  and  saw  wood  for  the  engine.  I  was  left  to  guard 
him.  I  set  him  to  work,  and  we  did  finely  for  awhile,  until 
I  wanted  him  to  go  with  me  out  into  the  country  to  see  if 
we  couldn't  get  something  to  eat  and  drink.  But  the  darkey 
said  he  was  afraid.  Said  he,  "  Ef  dey  eber  git  holt  of  dis 
chile,  dey  wud  kill  'em,  sure!"  He  was  afraid  to  go  and 
afraid  to  stay  alone,  so  for  awhile  I  didn't  know  what  to  do. 
There  was  two  big  "ricks"  of  wood,  so  I  told  him  to  lie 
down  and  I  would  pile  wood  around  "him,  and  he  would  be 
safe  until  I  came  back.  So  I  left  the  nigger  well  covered 
with  wood,  and  struck  out  for  the  country.  I  soon  found  a 
farm-house  and  a  little  "  distill "  house,  run  by  a  "  Johnny." 
I  asked  the  old  man  if  he  had  any  "applejack"  to  SELL!  He 
said  he  had.  So  I  asked  him  if  I  could  buy  a  canteen  full, 
if  I  would  pay  for  it.  He  said  I  could.  I  asked  him  what 
he  would  take  to  fill  my  canteen.  He  said  "One  dollar."  I 
asked  him  what  kind  of  money  he  would  rather  have — 
"greenbacks"  or  Southern  Confederacy.  He  said  he  couldn't 
read,  and  didn't  know  anything  about  "greenbacks,"  and 
would  rather  have  Confederate  money.  I  had  neither  kind, 
and  yet  felt  like  doing  the  fair  thing  by  the  "  Johnny  "- 
and,  you  know,  I  didn't  want  the  "applejack"  for  myself, 
either.  < 

As  luck  would  have  it,  I  had  a  label  in  my  pocketbook 
that  I  had  taken  from  a  bottle  of  "  Plantation  bitters," 
which  looked  very  much  like  a  five-dollar  bill  of  Confederate 


334  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

money.  I  asked  him  if  lie  could  change  a  five-dollar  bill. 
He  said  he  could.  So  I  gave  him  the  label,  and  he  gave  me 
back  four  dollars  in  silver  and  the  canteen  full  of  applejack, 
and  I  went  back,  both  feeling  entirely  satisfied. 

As  for  bravery,  I  can't  say  that  I  have  ever  done  any 
thing  to  brag  on.  I  always  did  my  duty  when  called  on, 
and  was  always  with  the  regiment.  I  was  never  on  the 
"sick-list,"  and  never  missed  guard  duty,  or  a  meal  if  I 
could  get  it.  If  there  was  any  fun  in  camp  I  had  my  share 
of  it. 

There  is  one  thing  I  do  feel  proud  over,  and  always 
shall,  and  that  was  carrying  Captain  Sam.  Gilmore  off  the 
field  at  Drury's  Bluff  on  the  16th  of  May,  1864,  when  he  was 
wounded.  When  we  started  to  leave  the  works,  I  was  with 
him  alone,  but  soon  came  across  comrade  Asa  Wren.  He 
helped  me  a  short  distance.  We  put  the  Captain  astride  of 
my  gun,  and  then  put  the  gun  on  our  shoulders,  the  Captain 
holding  around  my  neck.  We  carried  him  some  distance  in 
this  way  until  Wren  gave  out,  I  then  took  the  Captain  on 
my  shoulder,  and  had  carried  him  a  short  distance  when  I 
saw  the  rebel  cavalry  gaining  on  me,  and  also  saw  a  number 
of  our  cavalry  about  the  same  distance  away  from  me  that 
the  rebels  were.  I  told  the  Captain  that  I  couldn't  carry 
him  any  further.  He  said,  "Oh,  God!  George,  don't  leave 
me!"  I  told  him  that  I  would  save  him,  and  laid  him  down 
and  started  for  our  cavalry,  and  fortunately  one  of  them  saw 
me.  I  beckoned  him  to  me,  and  placed  the  Captain  behind 
him.  By  this  time  the  rebels  were  within  a  short  distance 
of  us.  The  cavalryman  asked  me,  "  What,  in  the  name  of 
God,  are  you  going  to  do?"  I  told  him  to  take  care  of  the 
Captain  and  I  would  take  care  of  myself,  and  when  he 
started  I  grabbed  hold  of  the  stirrup  of  his  saddle,  and  I  tell 
you,  I  held  on  for  dear  life  until  we  reached  the  railroad, 
where  I  saw  an  old  log  lying  partly  up  off  the  ground.  I 
was  "play'd  out,"  so  I  threw  myself  down  under  it,  panting 


NARRATIVE   OF  MARTIN   VAN  BUREN  PETERS.  335 

like  a  lizard.  Lots  of  our  wounded  had  been  left  there.  The 
rebel  cavalry  had  come  up  by  this  time.  All  at  once  I  saw 
comrades  John  Berry  and  Jeff  Everts  pop  up  out  of  the 
brush  just  as  the  "Johnnies"  came  along,  and  the  "rebs" 
called  upon  Berry  to  surrender  or  they  would  fire  upon  him. 
Berry  was  an  Englishman,  and  as  brave  as  a  brick!  He 
looked  up  at  the  "rebs"  and  told  them  to  go  to  "ye — 11!  "  for 
he  had  been  under  a  'ot  fire  all  day,  'eny  'ow;  and  he  struck 
out  for  the  brush  with  the  rebels  after  him,  while  I  crawled 
from  behind  the  log  and  struck  for  the  brush  also.  We 
all  three  came  out  all  right,  and  the  cavalryman  brought  in 
the  Captain. 

I  had  some  pretty  close  calls — was  knocked  senseless 
by  the  explosion  of  a  shell  in  front  of  "Wagner";  had  my 
gun  smashed  in  my  hand  at  Drury's  Bluff,  a  button  shot 
off  my  coat  at  Hatcher's  Run,  and  several  other  close  calls' 
too  tedious  to  mention.  I  enlisted  in  Company  I  September 
14th,  1861,  and  was  "mustered  out"  September  14th,  1864, 
in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va.,  which  ended  my  career  as  a 
soldier. 


NARRATIVE  OF  MAKTIN  VAN  BUREN  PETERS,  COMPANY  F. 

I  was  thirty-one  years  of  age  when  I  enlisted  in  Com 
pany  E  at  Chicago  in  August,  1861,  and  my  first  real 
experience  in  "  skedaddling  "  from  the  rebels  was  at  Alpine 
Station,  Va.,  the  night  of  the  4th  of  January,  1862. 

I  remember  I  had  just  placed  a  goose  in  the  oven  to 
bake  when  the  order  to  "fall  in!"  came,  and  we  hurriedly 
marched  to  the  river.  The  ice  was  running  and  the  water 
looked  anything  but  inviting  for  a  bath  or  anything  else 
that  cold  night.  The  old  scow-boat  was  already  occupied  by 
a  portion  of  Company  C,  and  there  was  no  other  recourse 
but  to  wade  in  and  ford  the  stream.  Ah,  me!  but  it  was 
cold!  and  before  reaching  the  other  side  I  became  so  chilled 
through  that  I  could  hardly  stand.  With  my  clothes  all 


386  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

dripping  and  stiffening  on  me,  I  made  a  rush  for  a  house 
where  some  of  the  other  boys  had  gathered  around  a 
red-hot  stove.  Before  I  could  get  a  good  "sniff"  of  the 
grateful  warmth,  some  officer  popped  his  head  in  at  the 
door  and  says,  "Out  of  this,  boys!  You  are  between  the 
fire  of  two  batteries  and  the  house  will  be  in  splinters  in 
less  than  five  minutes!"  We  "  outed,"  and,  in  fact,  the 
shells  were  flying  pretty  thick,  and  we  had  to  take  a  place 
in  line  behind  the  brick  buildings  on  the  main  street  run 
ning  parallel  with  the  river,  where  we  remained  until  the 
cannonading  ceased.  As  soon  as  possible  we  found  shelter 
where  we  could  dry  our  clothes  and  make  some  hot  coffee. 

My  first  experience  in  a  regular  "out  and  out"  battle 
was  at  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23d,  1862.  We  were  on  the 
left  supporting  a  battery,  and  were  there  nearly  all  that  day, 
Sunday.  We  did  not  have  much  real  fighting  to  do,  but 
were  where  we  could  hear  and  see  it;  and  I  remember  that 
our  old  division  had  the  "rebs"  on  the  full  retreat  before 
dark. 

After  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  was  evacuated,  I  was  with  the 
regiment  when  it  entered  the  fort,  and  while  a  squad  of  us 
were  sitting  there  eating  our  "  hard-tack,"  washed  down 
with  "  Uncle  Sam's  "  mocha,  a  big  shell  came  over  from  Fort 
Moultrie  across  the  harbor  and  exploded  over  our  heads, 
covering  us  with  sand.  Fortunately  no  one  was  hurt,  and 
the  "  hard-tack "  tasted  as  well  as  ever  after  the  seasoning 
of  dirt. 

During  the  siege  of  Fort  Sumter  I  was  on  detached 
service  as  coxswain  of  a  boat  on  picket  duty  at  night,  and 
we  pulled  up  so  near  that  we  could  hear  the  sentinels  talk. 
Towards  morning  the  boat-guard  neglected  to  lift  the  anchor 
as  the  tide  went  out,  and  the  result  was  that  we  got  stuck 
fast  in  the  mud.  It  was  near  morning,  and  I  ordered  the 
men  to  lie  flat  in  the  boat,  and  there  remained  until  the  tide 
came  in  again  to  release  us.  We  were  within  rifle  range  of 


NARRATIVE    OF  MARTIN    VAN  BUREN  PETERS.  337 

the  fort,  but  were  not  noticed.  When  the  boat  floated  once 
more,  we  drifted  out  of  range  and  then  took  the  oars  and  got 
back  all  right. 

I  re-enlisted  at  Hilton  Head  and  went  back  home  on 
"  veteran  furlough." 

I  was  in  that  terrible  battle  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  where 
so  many  of  our  regiment  were  killed  and  wounded.  I  was 
also  on  the  skirmish  line  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  where 
stumps  and  trees  were  in  good  demand.  Some  minie  balls 
had  whistled  very  close  to  me,  when  a  comrade  sang  out, 
"Don't  you  see  that  '  reb  '  shooting  at  you?"  "No!"  said 
I;  "where?"  and  just  then  along  came  another,  and  it  struck 
a  small  sapling  close  by  and  went  so  near  through  it  as  to 
bulge  the  bark  on  the  opposite  side.  I  saw  the  smoke  of 
the  gun  that  fired  it,  then  saw  the  motion  of  the  sharp 
shooter's  hands  in  reloading,  and  I  slid  down  on  one  knee 
with  my  gun  all  ready ;  in  a  moment  I  saw  his  head  appear 
from  behind  his  tree;  then  his  neck  and  breast;  he  was 
looking  for  me,  and  I  had  changed  position.  Then  I  let 
him  have  the  contents  of  my  gun ;  but  whether  I  hit  him  or 
not,  he  did  not  trouble  me  any  more. 

Ere  long,  as  I  was  loading,  a  shot  came  from  another 
direction,  the  bullet  striking  me  at  the  outside  corner  of  my 
left  eye,  tearing  the  flesh  away  and  chipping  the  bone.  It 
turned  me  partly  around.  I  did  not  know  what  had  struck 
me  at  first — thought  my  comrade  had  struck  me,  and  asked 
him  what  he  did  it  for.  "  I  didn't  strike  you!"  he  said; 
"  you're  wounded,  man!"  and  by  this  time  I  began  to  think 
so,  too,  as  the  blood  was  streaming  down  my  face  in  a  rivu 
let.  It  was  a  close  call.  I  was  soon  all  right  again,  how 
ever. 

In  October,  1864,  I  was  transferred  to  Company  F, 
Eleventh  Kegiment  of  the  Invalid  Corps,  and  assisted  in 
guarding  the  assassins  of  our  noble  President. 

22 


338  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

NARRATIVE    OF    WILLIAM    H.    HOWARD,    COMPANY    G. 

I  enlisted  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years  in  Chicago,  to 
gether  with  some  nine  others,  mostly  schoolmates,  August 
14th,  1801.  We  went  into  Company  G,  Captain  William 
B.  Slaughter. 

Among  the  many  reminiscences  of  my  soldier  life  the 
following  may  be  of  some  interest  to  the  comrades. 

I  was  once  arrested  by  order  of  Brigadier-General 
Yogdes,  commanding  on  Folly  Island,  S.  C.,  in  June,  1863. 
He  charged  me  with  being  in  company  with  a  suspicious 
character  dressed  in  a  red  shirt.  I  was  taken  before  the 
General,  who  wanted  to  know  who  the  man  was.  I  told  him 
that  I  had  not  been  in  company  with  any  man  wearing  a 
red  shirt.  "  O,  yes,  you  were.  I  saw  him  with  my  own 
eyes,  and  can't  be  mistaken.  We  have  to  look  out  for  spies 
on  this  island,  and  no  doubt  he  was  one,  and  you  must  tell 
me  all  about  him."  I  told  the  General  that  he  was  mis 
taken;  that  I  was  in  company  with  my  comrade,  H.  D. 
Pond,  and  going  from  the  post  hospital  to  our  company 
quarters,  and  had  seen  no  man  with  a  red  shirt  at  all. 
"Well,"  said  he,  "you  shall  go  to  the  guard-house  and  be 
kept  there  until  you  can  remember  who  that  man  was." 
And  I  was  marched  off.  The  guard,  however,  instead  of 
taking  me  to  the  guard-house,  took  me  to  his  own  company 
quarters  (Company  D),  where  I  was  made  comfortable;  for, 
he  said,  he  knew  that  I  was  not  guilty  of  the  charge. 

Meantime  a  lot  of  soldiers  had  been  ordered  to  care 
fully  search  the  island  for  the  man,  but  they  never  found  the 
myth.  The  fact  was,  General  Vogdes  was  "color  blind" 
— couldn't  tell  blue  from  red  sometimes,  and  this  was  the 
cause  of  my  arrest.  I  was  never  brought  up  for  trial,  but 
remained  for  many  days  at  Company  D's  quarters.  My 
Captain  endeavored  to  get  my  release  but  failed,  and  finally 
he  went  to  the  post-surgeon,  Dr.  C.  M.  Clark,  who  said  that 


NARRATIVE   OF   WILLIAM  H.  HOWARD.  339 

he  would  see  what  he  could  do.  He  asked  for  my  detail  as 
a  nurse  in  the  hospital,  and  succeeded  in  thus  getting  my 
release. 

On  the  night  of  April  1st,  1865,  after  our  regiment  had 
reached  the  left  of  the  line  in  front  of  Petersburg,  I  lay 
down  for  a  little  rest ;  but  soon  there  came  an  order  for  me 
to  report  to  General  Terry,  and  he  sent  me  out  through  our 
lines  to  locate  the  enemy's  batteries  and  to  ascertain  the 
nature  of  •  the  ground  in  our  front.  I  was  sent  out  without 
arms,  and  if  possible  I  was  to  get  inside  the  rebel  lines  and 
find  out  what  I  could;  and  if  captured,  to  play  the  part  of  a 
deserter.  I  started  out,  and  had  proceeded  some  distance 
when  I  was  shot  at  while  crossing  a  little  stream  on  a  log. 
I  soon  found  out  that  I  could  not  get  through,  and  returned 
at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  reported  to  General 
Terry  the  position  of  the  rebel  batteries  to  our  left  and  right, 
and  what  other  facts  I  had  gathered. 

We  were  in  line  at  four  o'clock  for  an  assault,  but  at 
seven  o'clock  we  were  ordered  to  the  right  again,  where  we 
made  preparations  to  assault  Fort  Gregg.  While  we  were 
standing  in  line  in  the  advance  of  the  assaulting  column  I 
asked  Captain  Plimpton,  commanding  the  regiment,  to  let 
me  advance  as  a  sharpshooter.  He  at  first  declined,  but 
finally  said  that  I  might  go.  I  advanced  about  half  way  to 
the  fort  to  a  good  sheltered  position,  and  made  several 
pretty  fair  shots  at  the  rebel  gunners.  When  the  command 
to  "charge"  was  given,  I  started  to  the  left  oblique  for  a 
trench  that  ran  out  from  the  fort,  but  "before  I  reached  it 
there  was  some  terribly  hot  work  going  on.  I  could  see  our 
"boys"  falling  thick  and  fast.  After  reaching  the  trench  I 
noticed  a  rebel  officer  with  his  hat  in  one  hand  and  sword  in 
the  other,  advancing  from  the  rear  to  get  into  Fort  Gregg. 
Two  of  Company  D's  boys  who  were  with  me  fired  at  him, 
but  missed.  .  I  then  jumped  out  of  the  ditch  near  the  stock 
ade  and  took  aim  at  the  officer's  belt-plate,  fired,  and  the 


340  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

officer  fell  dead.  As  I  rose  up  to  get  back  to  the  ditch  I 
was  struck  in  the  neck  by  a  rifle-ball  and  knocked  down,  but 
it  was  a  nearly-spent  ball  and  did  no  great  damage. 

After  the  fort  had  been  taken  I  went  out  where  the 
dead  officer  lay  and  took  his  spurs  and  a  pair  of  sleeve- 
buttons,  also  some  Confederate  money.  Some  soldier  from 
another  regiment  took  his  sword,  which  was  a  beauty.  This 
officer,  I  have  good  reason  to  believe,  was  General  A.  P. 
Hill. 

April  3d,  as  we  were  about  starting  out  after  Lee's 
army,  the  Adjutant  of  the  regiment  rode  up  and,  calling 
upon  me  to  advance,  informed  me  that  I  had  been  promoted 
to  Corporal,  and  ordered  that  I  should  take  my  place  in  the 
color-guard.  On  our  arrival  at  Manchester,  Va.,  I  was 
given  our  State  flag  to  carry,  and  I  carried  it  from  that  time 
until  the  final  "muster  out"  at  Springfield,  111. 

I  received  a  shell  wound  in  the  arm,  near  Fort  Wagner, 
S.  C.,  but  nothing  very  serious.  At  Norfolk,  Va.,  when  011 
duty  with  six  others  under  Sergeant  J.  K.  Ward,  at  about 
nine  o'clock  P.M.,  I  was  attacked  by  a  negro  who  stabbed  me 
with  a  knife  near  the  heart.  The  wound  was  thought  to  be 
mortal,  but  with  good  care  and  nursing  I  recovered.  My 
present  residence  is  Sterling,  111.,  where  I  hold  the  position 
of  police  constable. 


NARRATIVE  OF  EMILE  GUNTZ,  FIRST  SERGEANT  COMPANY  K. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  war  I  was  seventeen  years  old, 
and  was  at  that  time  a  photographer.  I  think  a  great  many 
of  the  boys  will  remember  my  taking  their  tin-types  on 
Folly  and  Morris  islands.  At  the  first  call  for  men  I 
enlisted  in  Company  B,  Nineteenth  Illinois  Infantry,  for 
three  months.  We  were  sent  to  Cairo,  without  uniforms  or 
guns,  to  stop  steamboats  running  the  blockade.  From  there 
we  were  sent  to  guard  a  railroad  bridge  at  Big  Muddy,  with 


NARRATIVE   OF  EMILE   GUNTZ.  34} 

clubs.  "VVe  had  a  rough  time  of  it,  on  the  start,  and  when 
our  three  months  were  nearly  up  we  were  sent  to  Spring 
field,  where  we  received  our  uniforms.  There  they  wanted 
us  to  enlist  for  three  years,  but  I  thought  I  had  had  enough 
of  it,  so  I  was  discharged,  and  went  back  to  Chicago  with 
my  mind  made  up  never  to  enlist  again.  But  I  soon  got 
tired  of  staying  at  home  after  seeing  so  many  of  my  friends 
leave  for  the  Avar,  so  I  made  up  my  mind  to  enlist  again,  and 
joined  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  Company  K.  They  then 
had  a  recruiting  office  on  the  corner  of  Clark  and  Monroe 
streets,  and  the  few  that  were  there  boarded  at  the  Briggs 
House.  "  High-toned"  for  recruits! 

After  the  companies  kept  coming  in  we  took  up  our 
quarters  at  the  old  Wigwam,  where  our  noble  Abraham 
Lincoln  was  nominated  for  the  presidency.  From  there  we 
went  to  Camp  Mather :  then  to  St.  Louis,  where  we  received 
our  guns — that  is,  old  muskets. 

I  served  my  three  years,  when  the  call  came  for  us  to 
enlist  as  veterans,  and  I  was  one  of  the  first  to  put  down  my 
name  for  three  years  more,  or  during  the  war.  I  was  with 
the  regiment  wherever  it  went,  until  I  was  captured  at  the 
battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  May  16th,  1864.  That  was  the  time 
my  hardships  commenced.  We  were  in  retreat  at  the  time, 
and  got  onto  the  railroad  track,  when  we  saw  a  lot  of  cavalry 
coming  toward  us  and  thought  they  were  our  men,  but  we 
got  badly  fooled.  The  first  thing  we  knew  we  were  ordered 
to  throw  down  our  guns,  "You  Yankee  sons  of  b — ."  We 
were  driven  like  a  lot  of  hogs  on  a  run,  with  revolvers  at 
our  heads.  We  were  taken  to  Macon,  Ga.,  and  there  robbed 
of  all  we  possessed,  they  telling  us  that  they  would  return 
everything  in  a  few  days,  when  we  would  be  paroled;  but 
that  day  has  never  come.  Stayed  there  a  few  days  and 
were  then  taken  to  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  put  in  a  bull  pen- 
hardly  enough  room  to  stand  in;  no  shelter  of  any  kind  and 
nothing  to  eat  for  twenty-four  hours ;  and  when  we  did  get 


342  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

anything  it  was  a  pint  of  cornmeal  and  about  two  ounces  of 
bacon. 

We  stayed  there  about  two  weeks,  when  we  received 
orders  to  get  ready — that  we  were  going  to  be  exchanged ; 
and  oh!  weren't  we  happy!  A  happier  lot  of  men  you 
never  saw.  But  we  were  to  be  disappointed.  We  were  put 
on  board  a  train  of  cattle  and  open  cars,  packed  in  like  so 
many  hogs,  and  away  we  went,  not  to  our  lines,  but  to 
that  hell-hole,  Andersonville,  the  most  God-forsaken  place 
that  men  were  ever  put  in — not  fit  for  cattle. 

I  don't  think  there  is  any  use  of  my  giving  a  detailed 


THE  PRISON  PEN  AT  ANDERSONVILLE. 

account  of  our  hardships  and  sufferings  while  there,  for  I 
imagine  there  is  not  a  person  in  the  United  States  who  has 
not  heard  of  or  read  about  it.  I  might  fill  a  book  twice  as 
large  as  this  one. 

At  one  time  we  received  the  news  that  Sherman  was 
coming  to  set  us  free.  Then  they  moved  us  to  Millen,  and 
in  going  there  the  train  ran  off  the  track  and  I  was  thrown 
out  of  the  car  and  received  a  severe  bruise  on  my  shoulder 
that  I  feel  to  this  day.  We  were  then  taken  back  to 


NARRATIVE    OF  EMILE   GUNTZ.  343 

Andersonville,  when  Wirtz  said  it  was  a  pity  that  it  had  not 
killed  all  of  us  "Yankee  sons  of  b — ."  After  that  we 
received  hardly  anything  to  eat  except  about  half  a  pint  of 
cornmeal  a  day,  and  not  fit  for  hogs  to  eat. 

I  don't  see  how  any  of  us  ever  lived  to  get  out  of  there. 
Many  of  our  brave  soldiers  were  left  there.  We  used  to 
quarrel  to  get  a  chance  to  carry  out  one  of  our  dead  com 
rades,  so  that  we  could  get  a  little  wood  to  cook  our  corn- 
meal. 

At  last  we  received  notice  that  we  were  going  to  be 
exchanged.  We  were  taken  to  Savannah  again,  where  we 
found  out  that  instead  of  being  exchanged  they  were  going 
to  take  us  to  Mobile,  Ala.,  excepting  those  who  could  not 
move  any  further,  and  these  were  to  be  paroled,  and  I  man 
aged  to  get  among  them.  We  were  put  on  board  and  taken 
out  to  where  "  Uncle  Sam  "  was  waiting  for  us,  and  that  was 
the  happiest  moment  of  my  life,  wThen  I  saw  the  old  Stars 
and  Stripes  once  more. 

I  think  that  is  where  our  Government  made  a. great 
mistake— letting  our  soldiers  starve  in  those  Rebel  Hells. 
They  might  just  as  well  have  exchanged  us,  and  I  don't 
think  it  would  have  helped  the  Confederacy  any.  Wirtz 
made  his  brags  that  he  could  do  more  for  the  cause  by  kill 
ing  our  men  in  prisons  than  they  could  in  battle. 

I  was,  in  all,  at  prison  nine  months,  and  it  seemed  to 
me  so  many  years.  I  don't  see  how  anybody  who  went 
through  those  rebel  prisons  can  ever  forget.  I  never  will, 
for  I  lost  part  of  my  hearing,  and  my  eye-sight  has  been 
very  poor  since,  and  is  getting  worse,  all  from  exposure 
when  there. 

We  then  received  a  furlough  to  go  home,  and  in  about 
three  months  I  joined  the  regiment  again,  when  I  went 
through  all  the  hardships  with  them,  until  we  were  mus 
tered  out  at  Springfield,  111.,  in  1865. 


344  THIRTY-NINTH   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS. 

AN  INCIDENT  AT  CASTLE  THUNDER  PRISON,  EICHMOND,  YA. 

BY  SERGEANT  SLAGLE. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  war,  soldiers  were  unfor 
tunate  who  happened  to  be  taken  prisoner,  especially  if 
wounded.  As  he  is  hustled  from  the  battle-field  he  pictures 
his  doom  of  several  months  in  the  prison  pens,  and  how  he 
will  fare  with  a  bad  wound. 

Your  attention  is  called  to  iny  observation  of  the  suc 
cessful  scheme  of  a  Pennsylvania  soldier  who  planned  to 


CASTLE  THUNDEB  PBISON,  RICHMOND,  VA. 

get  away  from  Castle  Thunder — myself  being  among  our 
wounded  and  captured  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads.  A  few 
hours  after,  we  were  landed  in  this  notorious  bastile.  It  so 
happened  at  that  time,  the  Confederates  were  massing  a 
boat-load  of  Union  prisoners  at  this  prison  preparatory  to 
sending  them  down  the  James  river  to  near  City  Point,  to 
meet  Colonel  Mulford's  exchange  boat,  who  would  return  a 
corresponding  number  of  Confederates,  the  boats  meeting 
under  a  flag  of  truce.  This  particular  boat-load  of  prisoners 
was  to  be  the  last  during  the  fall  of  1804.  Union  prisoners 


AN  INCIDENT  AT   CASTLE   THUNDER  PRISON.  345 

eligible  to  be  included  in  this  batch  for  exchange  had  to  be 
badly  wounded,  or  so  reduced  from  sickness  that  they  would 
hardly  last  till  the  exchange  boats  swapped  prisoners — or, 
to  be  more  explicit,  all  the  Union  soldiers  placed  on  this 
exchange-roll  had  to  be  carried  aboard  on  a  stretcher,  unless, 
minus  a  limb,  they  could  use  crutches. 

We  had  been  in  this  prison  from  the  13th  till  the  20th, 
when  the  rolls  were  completed  for  exchange.  These  four 
hundred  for  exchange  had  occupied  the  four  floors  of  the 
building.  During  this  time,  on  the  first  floor  at  least  fifteen 
had  died.  On  each  floor  the  Confederates  had  a  detail  of 
four  or  five  able-bodied  Union  soldiers  to  act  as  nurses  for 
the  sick  and  wounded.  These  nurses  were  not  included  on 
the  roll  for  exchange.  I  must  state  these  nurses  were  very 
kind  and  attentive,  and  did  the  best  they  could  for  our  men, 
considering  they  had  but  very  little  to  do  with.  .One  of 
these  nurses  dropped  on  a  plan  to  get  away  in  this  manner: 

On  the  night  of  October  20th  was  to  commence  the 
transfer  of  the  sick  and  wounded  prisoners  from  Castle 
Thunder  to  the  boat  to  go  down  the  river.  The  rolls  had 
been  called  two  or  three  times  during  the  afternoon.  Just 
before  night,  on  a  cot  near  me  was  a  Pennsylvania  soldier  (I 
cannot  now  recall  the  name)  who  was  delirious,  and  about 
ready  to  answer  the  roll-call  from  on  high.  Presently  he 
pulled  his  remnant  of  blanket  over  his  head — and  died. 
Those  around  him  could  not  tell  jus.t  the  time,  within  an 
hour,  when  he  passed  away.  Shortly  after,  one  of  the  able- 
bodied  nurses  came  around  and  raised  the  blanket  and  dis 
covered  the  lifeless  form.  No  one  around  recollected  his 
name,  although  they  had  heard  him,  but  a  short  time  before, 
answer  to  it  when  the  exchange-roll  was  called.  The  nurse 
then  examined  his  memorandum-book  and  found  his  name; 
he  then  took  possession  of  the  contents  of  deceased  man's 
pockets,  requesting  those  near  by  to  keep  quiet.  He  then 
covered  the  man  over  with  the  blanket,  and  went  away. 


346  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Shortly  the  hospital  steward  came  around.  This  nurse 
returned,  and,  in  an  innocent  way,  discovered  the  dead  man 
— the  steward  could  not  learn  his  name.  The  remains  were, 
by  steward's  order,  removed  to  dead-house  and  given  a 
number  as  one  of  the  "unknown." 

Just  after  dark  this  nurse  came  and  laid  down  on  the 
cot  lately  occupied  by  dead  man,  and  covered  up  his  head. 
About  midnight  the  transfer  commenced.  The  officer  would 
call  a  name;  they  would  answer  "Here!"  "  Are  ^ou  able  to 
walk  ?  "  "  No."  "  Send  him  a  stretcher."  Then  the  nurses 
would  place  the  soldier  on  the  stretcher  and  carry  him  out 
to  the  ambulance.  After  awhile  they  reached  the  name  of 
the  dead  soldier  that  occupied  this  cot.  The  name  was 
called;  the  nurse  made  a  faint  reply,  "Here!"  "Are  you 
able  to  walk?  "  "No."  "  Send  him  a  stretcher." 

They  lifted  the  form  on  the  stretcher.  He  was  "  not  as 
light  as  the  usual  loads,"  they  remarked,  as  they  lugged  him 
away ;  "  this  fellow  has  not  fallen  away  much !  Guess  we 
had  better  leave  him  till  he  gets  thinner ! "  But  they  did 
not  happen  to  detect  the  game,  and  placed  him  in  the  ambu 
lance.  When  I  was  taken  on  the  boat  I  happened  to  be 
placed  by  the  side  of  this  nurse,  and  when  they  carried  him 
off  to  the  Union  boat  the  same  remarks  were  made  about 
him  being  so  heavy.  Just  as  soon  as  the  boats  separated— 
the  Union  boat  returning  down  the  James,  and  the  Confed 
erate  up  towards  Richmond  with  a  load  of  able-bodied  men 
in  return  for  our  lot  of  invalids,  there  was  one  of  our  num 
ber  that  very  suddenly  bounded  on  his  feet  and  turned  a 
hand-spring — to  the  delight  of  those  interested  in  the  suc 
cessful  scheme  of  escape. 

The  nurse  now  declared  that  as  soon  as  he  could  obtain 
a  furlough,  he  would  go  to  the  family  of  the  deceased  prison 
er  and  deliver  to  them  the  articles  taken  from  the  body,  and 
also  give  them  the  number  he  was  buried  under.  You  may 
judge  how  happy  this  fellow  was  to  get  away  from  prison. 


NEW  YORK  STRAGGLERS.  347 

NEW  YORK  STRAGGLERS. 

In  January,  1863,  after  the  regiment  had  re-enlisted  as 
veterans,  they  left  Hilton  Head,  South  Carolina,  for  Illinois, 
to  spend  their  thirty  days'  furlough.  They  came  by  sea  to 
New  York  city.  Every  man  had  four  or  five  hundred  dol 
lars,  and  was  prepared  to  have  a  good  time.  The  regiment 
came  up  to  New  York  on  two  different  boats — one  battalion 
reaching  New  York  twenty-four  hours  in  advance  of  the 
other.  This  gave  them  an  opportunity  to  take  in  the  New 
York  sights.  After  leaving  New  York  city,  when  roll  was 
called  to  take  cars  for  Chicago  at  Jersey  City,  there  were 
fourteen  men  missing.  They  were  back  in  the  city.  The 
list  was  as  follows:  Sibert,  Smith,  Company  A;  Shaffer, 
Jenkins,  Griffith  and  Eairey,  Company  C;  Koot,  Swabbs, 
Company  D;  Sergeant  Hanson,  Company  E;  Bailey,  Loch- 
ren,  Company  F;  Cohlin,  Company  H;  Carr,  Company  I; 
Alex.  Cordell,  Company  K,  and  one  from  Company  B. 

Colonel  Mann  detailed  Sergeant  Slagle,  of  Company  K, 
to  return  and  hunt  up  and  bring  on  these  stragglers  in  a 
great  city.  The  Sergeant  was  introduced  to  Mr.  C.  H. 
Yaness,  of  240  Broadway,  who  would  assist  him  in  getting 
the  transportation  to  Chicago.  He  then  found  out  from 
each  company  where  these  men  were  last  seen,  and  returned 
to  the  city.  Inside  of  an  hour  and  a  half  he  succeeded  in 
finding  all.  The  man  from  Company  B  got  away,  and  stayed 
for  some  time  after. 

These  men  were  loud  ones,  and  with  plenty  of  money 
were  bent  on  having  a  good  time,  and  did;  but  many  of 
this  number  were  good  soldiers,  and  lost  their  lives  during 
the  battles  of  the  following  summer.  All  were  "  painting 
the  city  red."  One  had  rooms  at  the  Astor  House;  another 
at  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel.  They  were'  a  jolly  and  loud  set 
as  they  were  escorted  down  to  the  ferry  by  a  squad  of 
Broadway  police.  When  they  boarded  the  train  for  Chicago 


348  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

they    took    a  car    for  themselves,   had  big  times,  reaching 
Chicago  in  good  shape  in  advance  of  the  regiment. 

"Sellick's  Brigade,"  "Christ,"  "Deacon,"  "Preacher," 
"Grubby,"  "Pretty,"  "Motsey,"  "The  Brute,"  "The  Longest 
Corporal,"  "Old  Scullion,"  "Happy  Jack,"  "Uncle  Hub- 
bard,"  were  characters  in  Company  K.  All  except  one  or 
two  were  good  soldiers.  "Sellick's  Brigade"  did  not  gain 
much  of  a  record.  One  time  he  got  into  trouble  for  making 
a  suggestion  to  Colonel  Light,  at  Indianapolis,  when  en 
route  for  the  East.  Cars  were  limited  to  two  on  a  seat,  and 
no  chance  to  do  better.  Colonel  Light  was  passing  through 
the  cars  and  placing  the  men,  seeing  that  there  were  no 
reserved  seats,  when  "  Sellick,"  in  an  officious  way.  said  to 
him,  "  Colonel,  damn  it,  if  you  will  put  the  fire  out  of  the 
stove,  you  can  seat  two  men  on  the  stove"!  The  Colonel 
had  Mr.  Sellick  placed  under  arrest,  and  a  man  to  guard 
him,  and  made  room  for  two  without  disturbing  the  stove. 


THE  SKIRMISH  or  JUNE  16TH. 

LETTER  FROM  SERGEANT  E.  J.  THAYER  TO  CAPTAIN  GEORGE 

O.  SNOWDEN. 

CAMP  THIKTY-NINTH  ILLINOIS,  June  18th,  1864. 

Dear  Captain:  Your  letter  of  the  14th  found  me  on  the  picket  line 
yesterday.  I  was  very  glad  to  hear  from  you  and  that  you  were  doing  so 
well,  and  that  the  rest  of  the  officers  were  doing  finely.  Remember  me  to 
the  Major  and  tell  him  our  boys  are  paying  the  "rebs  "  for  damage  done, 
and  we  think  have  some  the  start.  Day  before  yesterday  the  "rebs" 
abandoned  our  front,  so  the  picket  reported  at  midnight;  by  eight  o'clock 
they  had  advanced  to  their  big  forts  in  Howlett's  field  and  found  all  gone. 
Got  thirty  or  forty  prisoners,  some  muskets,  etc.  The  troops  were  speedily 
put  under  arms  and  marched  to  the  front.  Our  regiment  was  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  and  from  the  forts  to  the  pike  had  the  extreme  front.  Saw 
no  "  rebs,"  however,  save  about  one  hundred  that  gave  themselves  up.  As 
soon  as  we  struck  the  pike  the  pioneers  pitched  into  the  telegraph  wire 
and  before  we  left  had  cut  three  miles,  removing  the  wire  and  burying  it. 
A  couple  of  regiments  also  went  to  the  railroad  and  tore  up  a  mile  or  so 
of  track,  warping  the  rails  with  fire.  As  soon  as  we  were  on  the  pike  we 
moved  by  the  right  flank  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  that  house, 


THE  SKIRMISH   OF  JUNE   16  TH.  349 

where  we  lay  in  line  of  battle  across  the  road  the  evening  of  the  16th  ult. 
On  the  other  side  of  the  field  was  plenty  of  "  rebs."  We  held  them  as  long 
as  we  could  and  then  fell  back  slowly  to  the  first  line  of  rebel  pits.  The 
Third  New  Hampshire  were  on  our  right.  Captain  Rudd  got  an  ugly 
wound  in  the  rear  of  the  picket  line.  From  there  we  went  back  to  camp 
and  got  supper,  and  then  out  on  picket.  After  we  left,  the  "  rebs  "  drove 
our  forces  from  the  fort  and  our  advance  was  in  that  ditch  we  dug  the  20th. 
The  "  rebs  "  had  filled  them  up,  but  as  soon  as  we  were  posted  I  took  some 
men  and  went  to  camp,  got  a  lot  of  shovels,  and  opened  them  again. 

All  was  quiet  until  three  A.M.,  when  the  murmur  of  voices  told  us  that 
"  Johnny  Reb  "  was  getting  ready  for  a  spree.  As  soon  as  it  was  light 
enough  to  see,  the  videttes  reported  two  lines  of  "rebs  "  in  our  front,  cov 
ering  a  fatigue  party  building  an  abattis.  We  hauled  in  the  videttes  and 
opened  out  heavy  on  them  about  three  hundred  yards  distant.  They  gave 
us  a  volley  or  two  and  then  broke  for  their  pits.  Then  all  day  there  was 
the  devil  to  pay.  If  you  didn't  want  to  be  shot  at,  keep  out  of  sight. 
About  two  o'clock  they  made  a  break  on  the  Seventh  New  Hampshire  in 
about  the  place  they  came  on  us  on  the  2d,  and  sent  them  back  kiting. 
Opened  the  Eighty-Fifth  flank  and  they  fell  back  and  that  left  us  open. 
A,  B  and  part  of  K  were  on  the  reserve.  Captain  Williams  was  in  com 
mand  of  the  picket  line  and  Baker  of  the  whole.  Williams  was  at  the 
reserve  when  the  fuss  commenced,  and  John  found  himself  the  only  officer 
in  the  three  left  companies.  Not  thinking  it  prudent  to  let  them  get  too 
far  to  the  left  and  rear  of  us,  he  ordered  a  retreat,  and  we  fell  back  to  what 
used  to  be  the  "rebs"  advance  pits.  Taking  the  shovel  again,  we  soon 
reversed  them,  and  with  our  reserves  made  a  good  line  of  battle.  Com 
pany  I  and  the  Twenty-Fourth  Massachusetts  kept  their  position  on  the  old 
line,  and  Companies  F,  G  and  K  were  deployed  as  skirmishers  to  protect 
their  flank. 

In  this  position  we  lay  until  night,  when  we  again  took  our  pits  as  far 
as  where  that  road  crosses  the  pits  to  the  right  of  where  we  were  on  the  2d, 
and  Company  B  was  put  out  on  our  flank  as  skirmishers  and  at  right 
angles  with  our  line.  H  did  not  come  up,  so  D  was  the  left  of  the  line. 
We  had  not  been  there  more  than  five  minutes  when  they  opened  a  fire 
from  a  line  of  battle  on  our  flank  and  at  the  same  time  from  the  front. 
B  left  us  in  no  time,  and  D,  E,  I  and  F  moved  by  the  right  flank  until  we 
found  ourselves  in  line  of  battle;  then  I  broke  round  about  half  of  D  for 
flankers.  As  I  was  going  to  the  left  of  the  line  a  shell  passed  and  exploded 
right  by  my  head,  knocking  me  on  my  hands  and  knees.  I  thought  I 
was  hit,  but  not  finding  any  blood  I  did  not  mind  it  until  the  fuss  was 
over,  when  I  found  I  was  stunned  and  hurt  a  good  deal.  I  was  sick  when 
I  went  from  camp,  and  the  hard  work  on  the  skirmish  and  digging  pits, 
the  excitement  and  shell,  quite  laid  me  up,  so  after  all  was  quiet  and  no 
prospect  of  a  relief  I  came  to  camp  about  midnight.  The  company  had 
not  lost  any  at  noon  to-day,  and  about  fifteen  or  twenty  in  the  regiment. 
Two  or  three  killed;  one  in  K,  and  Sergeant  Harris  of  Company  A. 


.350  THIRTY-NINTH  •  ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

The  Sixth,  Second  and  Fifth  Corps  are  here,  and  I  expect  that  they 
will  charge  the  "  rebs  "  to-night,  or  at  least  relieve  our  boys,  who  have  now 
been  on  picket  forty-eight  hours,  and  that  after  a  big  day's  work  in  skir 
mishing  through  the  most  infernal  hot  hole  on  a  hot  day.  General  Terry, 
when  we  deployed,  ordered  us  to  fix  our  bayonets.  Wan't  that  smart? 
Godfrey  was  on  vidette  on  the  pike,  and  seeing  two  "Johnnies"  advanced 
alone  and  ordered  them  to  throw  down  their  arms  and  surrender,  which 
they  did,  but  felt  rather  cheap  when  they  saw  only  one  little  "  Yank  "  to 
yank  them  in.  Our  company  took  four. 

Rumor  says  that  we  have  twentj -five  pieces  of  cannon  at  headquar 
ters  captured  at  Petersburg  yesterday  and  day  before.  They  have  been  on 
a  big  fight  there  for  two  days  now.  I  have  commenced  on  our  rolls. 

Hoping  you  may  be  soon  with  us,  I  am,  with  respect, 

Yours  truly,  E.  J.  THAYEE. 


GENERAL  SHIELDS  GIVES  THE  BAND  AN  IRISH 
"COMPLIMENT." 

The  second  day's  march  out  from  Front  Eoyal,  Va., 
was  fearfully  rainy ;  water  literally  tumbled  from  the  clouds 
during  the  day  and  until  about  the  time  the  division  filed 
into  a  large  field  of  stout  timothy  for  bivouac.  The  "dog 
tents"  were  soon  spread  and  occupied  by  a  tired  lot  of 
bedraggled  soldiers.  General  Shields  and  staff  took  shelter 
in  an  inviting  farm-house  near  by  our  camp.  His  host 
proved  to  be  a  jolly  old  Scotchman  whose  sideboard  was 
overflowing  with  ancient  apple-jack.  Was  it  necessary  to 
inform  an  Irish  veteran  of  two  wars  that  this  was  a  sure 
cure  for  all  the  ills  that  a  drenching  day  could  engender? 
The  General  drank  himself  dry,  and  with  this  drouth  came 
the  thirst  for  music. 

At  nine  o'clock  at  night  Colonel  Osborn  was  aroused  by 
an  "  aid "  from  Shields  who  sent  his  compliments  and  a 
request  that  he  would  report  with  his  band  for  some  music. 
For  a  moment  Colonel  Osborn  hesitated.  The  band  men 
were  tired  and  probably  sound  asleep,  but  this  was  a  request 
from  the  Division  commander  and  brought  to  him  by  a  staff 
officer.  It  must  be  granted  if  possible.  The  Colonel  found 


REMINISCENCES   OF  SURGEON  S.  C.  BLAKE.  351 

his  way  to  the  quarters  of  the  musicians  and  heard  no  noise 
save  the  stertor  of  the  nose.  The  request  is  made,  however, 
in  eloquent  terms,  and  soon  the  weary  band  is  regaling  the 
old  Scotchman  and  his  Irish  military  friend  with  choice 
music. 

General  Shields  in  time  made  his  appearance,  and  at 
the  close  of  a  short  rambling  speech  he  told  the  band  that 
they  could  return  to  their  quarters,  assuring  them  that  he 
expected  soon  to  hear  them  "play  much  better  music  than 
you  have  given  to-night,  in  the  fallen  city  of  Eichmond." 

Leader  Lace,  like  most  musicians,  was  exceedingly 
sensitive.  He  had  a  good  band,  and  a  choice  selection  of 
music,  and  knew  it.  It  was  difficult  for  him,  therefore,  to 
pass  lightly  by  the  reflection  the  General  had  carelessly  cast 
upon  them,  and  on  his  return  he  was  exceedingly  wroth 
and  showered  words  of  no  very  elegant  prose  011  Shields. 
Hoping  to  soothe  and  calm  his  perturbed  spirit  one  of  the 
officers  assured  him  that  it  was  but  a  little  "Irish  bull" 
that  the  General  had  given  him,  and  that  he  must  so  con 
sider  it.  "No  little  Irish  bull  about  it!"  retorted  Lace. 
"It  is  a  full-grown  jackass!  " 


KEMINISCENCES  OF  SURGEON  S.  C.  BLAKE. 

FEMALE    SPIES. 

When  the  regiment  arrived  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  two 
female  spies  came  into  the  camp  and  asked  to  see  the  com 
mander  of  the  post.  These  women  were  sisters.  One  of 
them  was  a  single  woman  and  the  other  was  a  widow.  From 
their  appearance,  they  had  been  exposed  to  severe  weather, 
and  had  been  on  a  hard  tramp.  They  had  also  evidently 
been  camping  in  the  woods,  as  their  clothes  were  soiled  and 
badly  torn,  and  they  looked  as  if  they  had  had  no  oppor 
tunity  to  wash  their  faces  and  hands  for  a  number  of  days. 
These  women  claimed  to  be  Union  spies,  and  told  our  com- 


352  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

mauder  that  they  had  important  information  to  impart  in 
reference  to  the  strength,  condition,  and  position  of  the 
enemy  on  the  other  side  of  the  river  in  Virginia.  It  turned 
out  that  the  women  were  what  they  represented  themselves 
to  be.  We  found  out  that  they  were  sisters,  born  and 
reared  in  Martinsburg,  Va.,  but  had  been  faithful  to  the 
Union  and  loyal  to  their  country,  and  were  ready  to  sacrifice 
even  their  lives  for  its  preservation.  The  oldest  sister,  some 
few  weeks  after  they  came  to  us,  while  making  a  visit  to  the 
enemy's  camp,  was  arrested  and  tried  as  a  spy,  but  was  so 
ably  defended  by  a  Confederate  officer,  a  companion  and 
friend,  from  childhood,  of  the  brave  and  loyal  women,  and  who 
was  also  a  very  able  lawyer,  that  she  escaped  punishment. 

These  were  remarkable  women — intelligent,  brave,  and 
loyal  to  the  cause  of  the  Union.  They  had  been  loyal  to  the 
Nation  from  the  commencement  of  its  trouble,  and  did  not 
fail  to  make  known  their  patriotism  to  their  neighbors.  As 
soon  as  the  war  commenced  these  patriotic  women  placed 
the  National  flag  over  their  front  door,  and  would  not  allow 
it  to  be  taken  down,  although  it  was  often  undertaken;  but 
the  brave  women  defended  it,  saying  they  would  defend  it 
with  their  lives;  and  although  a  military  guard  was  placed 
at  their  house  and  kept  there  until  our  army  entered  Mar 
tinsburg,  the  guard  allowed  it  to  remain  rather  than  have  a 
fight  with  women.  So  all  persons  who  entered  their  house 
had  to  pass  under  the  United  States  flag. 

For  some  weeks  before  our  army  entered  Martinsburg 
we  had  missed  the  return  of  our  fair  spies,  and  had  come  to 
the  conclusion  that  they  had  been  arrested  and  perhaps 
executed,  but  we  found  them  safe  and  ready  with  a  warm 
welcome  for  us.  They  had  been  so  perfectly  guarded  since 
the  trial  of  one  of  them  for  being  a  spy  that  they  could  not 
come  to  us. 

It  so  happened  that  the  lady  who  was  tried  for  being  a 
spy  had  an  opportunity  to  show  her  gratitude  to  her  Con- 


DR.  DE  NORMANDIE    ON   GUARD.  353 

federate  friend  who  so  ably  and  gallantly  defended  her. 
When  our  regiment  entered  Martinsburg  this  friend,  who  was 
a  Major  in  the  Confederate  army,  was  captured  with  a  friend 
who  was  a  surgeon  in  that  army.  When  Major  Munn  and 
Surgeon  S.  C.  Blake  arrived  at  Martinsburg  these  ladies 
besought  them  to  use  their  influence  with  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  place  to  secure  a  parole  for  these  officers,  who 
were  then  occupying  a  cell  in  the  county  jail.  In  considera 
tion  of  the  services  rendered  by  the  gallant  Major  in  behalf 
of  our  loyal  friend,  which  no  one  else  would  undertake  for 
her,  Munn  and  Blake  gladly  used  their  offices  to  secure  their 
parole,  and  succeeded,  to  the  delight  of  all,  especially  the 
lady  whose  life  had  been  saved  by  the  Major's  earnest 
efforts. 

These  brave  and  patriotic  women  should  certainly  have 
a  prominent  place  in  the  history  of  our  country. 


DK.  DE  NOKMANDIE  ON  GUARD. 

The  following  incident  will  show  how  little  true  con- 
•  ception  our  volunteer  army  had  of  the  discipline  and  rigid 
enforcement  of  army  regulations  necessary  for  efficient  and 
effective  service  in  actual  warfare.  Soon  after  we  arrived  at 
Williamsport,  Md.,  an  extensive  epidemic  of  measles  broke 
out  in  our  regiment.  About  five  hundred  members  of  the 
regiment  had  the  disease, — most  of  them,  however,  in  a  mild 
form ;  and  as  it  was  mild  and  very  pleasant  weather,  only 
about  ninety  were  obliged  to  be  taken  care  of  in  the  hos 
pital. 

Of  course  there  was  no  regular  hospital  in  a  small 
village  like  Williamsport,  consequently  Surgeon  Blake  was 
obliged  to  extemporize  a  hospital.  The  ninety  patients  in 
this  hospital  were  very  sick  and  caused  the  attending  sur 
geons  a  great  deal  of  anxiety.  Among  others,  Company  A 
had  quite  a  number  of  very  sick  members.  Captain  Munn, 


354  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

of  this  Company,  afterwards  Major  of  the  regiment,  was  very 
solicitous  about  his  men,  and  anxious  that  they  should  have 
the  best  of  care.  He,  like  many  other  officers,  had  recruited 
his  company  from  among  his  neighbors  and  acquaintances, 
and  was  prompted  by  his  warm  heart  and  patriotic  zeal  to 
promise  the  wives,"  sisters,  and  sweethearts  of  the  recruits 
that  he  would  see  that  they  were  well  taken  care  of,  and 
especially  when  they  were  sick  or  wounded;  and  now  it 
seemed  to  these  officers  the  time  had  come  for  the  fulfillment 
of  these  promises. 

Surgeons  Blake  and  Clark  fully  appreciated  the  respon 
sibility  so  suddenly  thrown  upon  them,  and  were  obliged  to 
make  very  stringent  rules  for  the  government  of  the  hospital, 
and  in  order  to  prevent  interference  with  their  duties,  Sur 
geon  Blake  issued  an  order  that  110  one  should  visit  the 
hospital  unless  having  a  pass  either  from  the  Surgeon  or 
Assistant  Surgeon.  As  soon  as  these  officers  learned  this 
fact  they  were  very  angry,  and  boldly  announced  that  no 

d d  surgeons  were  going  to  interfere  with  their  looking 

after  their  men,  and  that  they  would  soon  convince  these 
surgeons  that  they  would  visit  the  hospital  when  they 
pleased. 

Consequently  a  number  of  officers,  headed  by  Captain 
Munn,  in  a  very  determined  and  boisterous  manner  started 
for  the  hospital.  Upon  arriving  at  the  door  of  the  hospital 
they  were  halted  by  a  guard,  who  of  course  had  not  seen 
much  real  service,  and  as  his  superior  officers  demanded  to 
pass,  the  guard  was  trying  to  persuade  them  to  desist  and 
first  get  a  pass;  but  Captain  Munn  told  the  guard  that  he 
would  give  him  to  understand,  and  also  Surgeon  Blake,  that 
110  d — cl  surgeon  could  keep  them  from  visiting  their  men 
when  they  pleased.  De  Normandie,  who  was  then  hospital 
steward,  hearing  the  noise  at  the  door  of  the  hospital  went 
to  ascertain  what  the  trouble  was,  and  Captain  Munn  informed 
him;  the  Doctor,  taking  up  his  new  Springfield  rifle  and 


DR.  DE  NORMANDIE  ON  GUARD.  355 

stepping  back  a   few  feet,  placed  the  gun  to  his  shoulder, 
saying, 

"Captain  Munn,  you  are  my  friend  and  the  captain  of 
my  company,  and  you  ought  to  know  better  than  to  attempt 
to  force  a  guard ;  and  I  can  assure  you  that  unless  you  have 
a  pass  from  one  of  the  surgeons  you  cannot  enter  this  hos 
pital,  and  if  you  attempt  it  I  will  put  a  bullet  through  your 
body  or  the  body  of  anybody  else  who  attempts  it." 

Captain  Munn  afterwards  said  that  the  "  old  Doc,"  as 
he  called  him,  showed  by  his  eye  that  he  meant  business. 
These  officers,  now  more  enraged  than  ever,  started  for  the 
headquarters  of  the  commander  of  the  regiment,  Colonel 
T.  O.  Osborn.  As  it  happened,  Colonel  Osborn,  with  the 
Colonel  of  the  Thirteenth  Massachusetts  Regiment,  and 
other  officers,  was  visiting  Surgeon  Blake  at  his  quarters, 
and  while  pleasantly  conversing  about  affairs  of  the  com 
mand  in  rushed  Captain  Munn  with  his  fellow  officers,  and 
in  great  excitement  began  to  abuse  the  surgeons  and  es 
pecially  Surgeon  Blake,  telling  the  Colonel  what  an  outrage 
had  been  committed  towards  himself  and  comrades.  To  the 
great  chagrin  of  both  Captain  Munn  and  his  comrades,  the 
Colonel  coolly  informed  them  that  he  had  no  control  over 
the  medical  department  of  the  regiment,  and  advised  them 
to  go  to  their  quarters  and  look  at  the  army  regulations,  and 
see  what  sort  of  a  position  they  had  placed  themselves  in. 

On  the  next  morning  after  this  episode,  as  Surgeon 
Blake  was  sitting  on  the  front  porch  of  his  quarters,  .he  saw 
coming  down  the  street  a  little  squad  of  officers,  but  they 
looked  very  meek  and  were  apparently  in  very  earnest  con 
versation  about  some  serious  affair.  When  they  saw  the 
Surgeon,  Captain  Munn  called  him  one  side,  and  in  a  most 
anxious  manner  asked  him  what  he  was  going  to  do  about 
the  affair  of  last  night.  The  Surgeon,  with  an  apparently 
offended  air,  very  coolly  said  to  the  Captain  that  he  had  not 
yet  determined  what  he  would  do  about  it.  Whereupon  the 


356  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain  in  an  excited  manner  replied  that  he  had  heard  that 
the  Surgeon  intended  to  have  them  all  court-martialed;  and 
then  in  a  most  imploring  way,  said: 

"Blake,  do  you  know  that  if  you  call  a  court-martial 
we  shall  all  be  shot?  The  regulations  say  that  to  attempt 
to  force  a  guard  while  in  active  service  shall  be  punished  by 
death!  For  God's  sake,  let's  settle  the  matter.  We  made 
d — d  fools  of  ourselves,  and  will  assure  you  that  we  will 
never  be  guilty  of  such  foolishness  again." 

Surgeon  Blake,  after  keeping  them  on  the  anxious-seat 
for  a  few  days,  never  had  occasion  to  mention  the  matter 
again.  This  incident  did  more  to  establish  discipline  in  the 
regiment  than  anything  that  ever  happened  to  it. 

It  is  gratifying  to  be  able  to  state  that  every  man  who 
was  sick  at  that  time  recovered,  and  that  this  severe  attack 
of  sickness  thoroughly  established  the  surgeons  in  the  con 
fidence  of  the  entire  regiment,  which  was  never  lost  during 
the  war. 


THE  WILMINGTON  MONUMENT. 

The  modest  white  shaft,  but  one  foot  square  at  its  base 
and  six  feet  in  height,  which  marks  the  burial  place  of 
Adjutant  Joseph  D.  Walker  at  Oakwoods  Cemetery,  Wil 
mington,  111.,  is  also  the  cenotaph  whereon  is  recorded  the 
names  of  many  comrades  who  fell  in  battle  or  died  of  wounds 
and  disease  from  Companies  A  and  E  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois  Veteran  Volunteer  Infantry.  It  is  located  in  a 
beautiful  spot  on  the  bluff  of  the  east  branch  of  the  majestic 
Kankakee  river,  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  of  the 
tranquil  water,  which  is  only  disturbed  by  the  occasional 
passing  of  a  canal  steamer,  or  ruffled  by  the  storm-winds 
that  whistle  a  requiem  over  the  graves  of  fifty  or  more 
martyrs  representing  various  commands  in  the  great  "  War 
of  the  Rebellion."  It  is  laden  with  flowers  annually,  and 


THE    WILMINGTON  MONUMENT.  357 

often    visited  by  the  friends    of    those    whose    names    are 
modestly  chiselled  in  the  snow-white  marble. 

On  the  front  or  east-side  surface  of  the  shaft  are  the 
names  of— 

ADJUTANT  JOSEPH  D.  WALKER. 

LIEUTENANT   JOSEPH   W.  RICHARDSON,  COMPANY  A. 
LIEUTENANT   JOHN    CONLEY,  COMPANY  E. 

On  the  south  front  is  inscribed  the  names  of— 

SEBGEANT  DAVID    M.  HANSON. 

SERGEANT   GEORGE   W.  BURTON. 

ALEXANDER    GRAY. 

ALMON    MERRILL.* 

THOMAS   STEWART. 

WALTER    VAN    DEBOGART. 

JAMES    McMASTER. 

ALL   OF    COMPANY   E. 

While  on  the  north  surface  of  the  shaft  appear  the  follow 
ing  names  : 

SEBGEANT   GEORGE   W.  YATES. 
WILLIAM    BUTTERFIELD. 

IRA   NICHOLS. 
ANDREW   SEYBERT. 

GEORGE    LYONS. 

HENRY   STARKWEATHER, 

JOSEPH   CARTER. 

HUGH    ROURKE. 

ALL  or  COMPANY  A. 

And   the    name    of    MAJOR    S.    W.    MUNN,  who    organized 
Company  A,  will  be  added  before  the  regimental  re-union 

of  1889. 

TERMS  or  SURRENDER: 

APPOMATTOX  COUBT  HOUSE,  VA.,  April  9th.  1865. 
General  Robert  E.  Lee,  Commanding  C.  S.  A. 

General: — In  accordance  with  the  substance  of  my  letter  to  you  of 
the  8th  inst.,  I  propose  to  receive  the  surrender  of  the  Army  of  Northern, 
Virginia  on  the  following  terms;  to  wit:  Rolls  of  all  the  officers  and  men  to 
be  made  in  duplicate — one  copy  to  be  given  to  an  officer  designated  by  me, 
the  other  to  be  retained  by  such  officer  or  officers  as  you  may  designate 


358  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

-The  officers  to  give  their  individual  paroles  not  to  take  up  arms  against 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,  until  properly  exchanged,  and  each 
Company  or  Regimental  Commander  to  sign  a  like  parole  for  the  men  of 
their  command.  The  arms,  artillery  and  public  property,  to  be  packed 
and  stacked  and  turned  over  to  the  officer  appointed  by  me  to  receive  them. 
This  will  not  embrace  the  side-arms  of  the  officers,  nor  their  private  horses, 
or  baggage.  This  done,  each  officer  and  man  will  be  allowed  to  return  to 
their  homes,  not  to  be  disturbed  by  United  States  authorities  so  long  as 
they  observe  their  parole  and  the  laws  in  force  where  they  may  reside. 
Very  Respectfully, 

(Signed]     U.  S.  GBANT,  Lieut.-General. 
Official: 

E.  S.  PAKKEB,  Lieut.- Col.  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 


THE  PLACE  OF  LEE'S  SURRENDER. 

[From  Old  and  New  for  August,] 

It  has  been  popularly  reported  that  the  first  interview 
between  the  two  commanders  took  place  under  an  apple-tree, 
which  has  consequently  been  crowned  with  historic  associa 
tions.  This  is  false.  The  fact  is  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
9th  of  April,  General  Lee,  with  a  single  member  of  his  staff, 
was  resting  under  an  apple-tree,  when  Colonel  Babcock,  of 
General  Grant's  staff,  came  up  under  a  flag  of  truce,  saying 
that  if  General  Lee  remained  where  he  was,  General  Grant 
would  come  to  him  by  the  road  the  latter  was  then  pursuing. 
This  was  the  only  interview  under  or  near  the  apple-tree; 
and  it  may  be  mentioned  here,  that  the  following  day  Colonel 
Marshall,  who  attended  General  Lee  on  the  occasion,  was 
surprised  to  find  Federal  soldiers  hacking  at  the  tree,  and 
was  amused  at  their  idea  of  obtaining  from  it  mementoes 
of  the  surrender.  Obtaining  news  of  Grant's  approach, 
General  Lee  at  once  ordered  Colonel  Marshall  to  find  a  fit 
and  convenient  house  for  the  interview.  Colonel  Marshall 
applied  to  the  first  citizen  he  met,  Mr.  Wilmer  McLean,  and 
was  directed  to  a  house  vacant  and  dismantled.  He  refused 
to  use  it;  and  Mr.  McLean  then  offered  to  conduct  him  and 
the  General  to  his  own  residence,  a  comfortable  frame  house, 


THE  PLACE    OF  LEE'S  SURRENDER.  359 

with  a  long  portico  and  convenient  "sitting  room,"  furnished 
after  the  bare  style  of  the  times.  The  house  was  about  half 
a  mile  distant  from  General  Lee's  camp.  The  Confederate 
commander  was  attended  only  by  one  of  his  aids,  Colonel 
Marshall,  a  youthful,  boyish-looking  scion  of  the  old  and 
illustrious  Marshall  family  of  Virginia,  who  had  been  the 
constant  companion  of  General  Lee  in  his  campaigns,  and, 
as  his  private  secretary,  had  done  good  literary  service  in 
the  preparation  of  reports  of  battles,  etc.,  which  are  now 
historical.  With  Grant,  there  were  several  of  his  staff-offi 
cers,  and  a  number  of  Federal  Generals,  including  Ord  and 
Sheridan,  entered  the  room,  and  joined  in  the  slight  general 
conversation  that  took  place  there.  The  interview  opened 
without  the  least  ceremony.  The  story  has  been  frequently 
repeated,  that  General  Lee  tendered  his  sword,  and  that 
General  Grant  returned  it  with  a  complimentary  remark. 
There  was  no  such  absurdity.  General  Lee  wore  his  sword 
(which  was  not  his  usual  habit) ;  and,  on  the  exchange  of 
salutations,  General  Grant  remarked,  "I  must  apologize, 
General,  for  not  wearing  my  sword;  it  had  gone  off  in  my 
baggage  when  I  received  your  note."  General  Lee  bowed, 
and  at  once,  and  without  further  conversation,  asked  that 
General  Grant  would  state,  in  writing  if  he  preferred  it,  the 
terms  on  which  he  would  receive  the  surrender  of  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia.  General  Grant  complied  by  sitting 
down  at  a  table  in  the  room,  and  writing  with  a  common 
lead-pencil  the  note  so  well  remembered. 


360  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

CONFEDERATE  SONG  COMMEMORATING  THE  FIRST  BtJLL  KUN 
BATTLE,  JULY  21sT,  1861. 

THE  NEW  "WAIT  FOR  THE  WAGON." 

TUNE — "  Wait  for  the  Wagon." 

v 
ABE  came  unto  Manassas, 

With  all  his  gas  and  pride, 
Resolving,  when  he'd  gained  the  day, 

To  take  a  jolly  ride! 
But  Johnson  he  drove  hard  and  fast, 

Jeff.  Davis  held  the  reins, 
While  Beauregard  and  Jackson 

Rushed  on  with  might  and  main. 

Chorus:  Abe  came  in  his  wagon, 
Scott  came  in  his  wagon. 
Wilson  came  in  his  wagon, 
To  take  a  jolly  ride. 

Valiant  "  Fuss  and  feathers," 

And  many  more  beside, 
In  the  Confed'rate  wagon  swore 

They'd  all  take  a  ride. 
A  goodly  number  of  the  "  Rump," 

With  many  Ladies  (??)  fair, 
To  feast  upon  the  "  picnic," 

And  take  a  ride,  were  there. 

Chorus:  Greeley  waited  for  the  wagon, 
Seward  waited  for  the  wagon. 
Riddle  waited  for  the  wagon, 
All  bent  upon  a  ride. 

They  couldn't  stand  the  rifles 

Of  the  "  Old  Dominion  "  boys; 
Kentucky,  Georgia,  Tennessee, 

For  Abe  made  too  much  noise: 
They  sloped,  and  made  for  Jericho, 

Like  mules  in  a  stampede — 
John  Gilpin's  famous  birth-day  race 

Fell  short  on  them  for  speed. 

Chorus:  They  shrieked  aloud  for  wagons — 
For  any  sort  of  wagons — 
For  all  sorts  of  wagons, 
To  ride  to  Washington. 


THE  NEW  "  WAIT  FOR   THE    WAGON."  361 

Scott  being  fat  and  fluffy, 

Not  fancying  the  fun, 
Resolved  to  be  the  first  to  start, 

And  get  to  Washington. 
He  staid  not  for  his  wagon, 

So  great  his  terror  grew — 
Eggs  might  have  laid  on  his  coat-tail, 

So  devilish  fast  he  flew. 

Chorus:  So  "Fussy"  left  his  wagon. 
His  pretty  fancy  wagon. 
In  which  he  meant  to  Richmond 
To  take  that  famous  ride. 

Just  such  another  wild-goose  chase 

Was  never  seen  before, 
Pots,  kettles,  pans,  legs,  heads  and  arms, 

Were  strewed  ten  miles,  or  more; 
They  dropped  their  Turkey  "  fixins," 

Champagne  and  hand-cuffs  too; 
Like  beaten  hounds,  the  Yankee  thieves 

In  wild  disorder  flew. 

Chorus:  They  ran  and  left  their  wagons, 
Their  ammunition  wagons, 
They  never  thought  of  wagons — 
So  they  had  "  nary  "  ride. 

There's  many  a  slip  'twixt  cup  and  lip, 

As  the  Yankees  have  found  out, 
Their  army  grand  was  broken  up, 

In  most  disgraceful  rout. 
Old  "  Fussy  "  has  lost  his  renown, 

To  warriors  most  sweet, 
His  laurels  trampled  in  the  dust 

Beneath  the  Baboon's  feet. 

Chorus:  Now  glory  to  our  Wagon, 

Our  dear  Confed'rate  WTagon; 
In  our  new  Secession  WTagon 
We'll  have  a  jolly  ride. 


362  THIRTY-NINTH   ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS. 

THE  REGIMENTAL  FLAGS  AND  THE  EAGLE. 

Mention  has  heretofore  been  made  of  the  regimental 
banners,  and  how  obtained.  They  are  now  safely  placed  in 
the  Archives  of  the  State — the  scarred,  torn,  silent  yet 
eloquent  witnesses  of  the  heroism  displayed  by  her  patriotic 
sons  on  many  a  well-contested  field  for  the  supremacy  of  the 
right  over  injustice  and  wrong-doing.  The  two  regulation 
United  States  flags — one  presented  by  the  daughter  of 
Colonel  C.  P.  Arion,  and  the  other  won  at  a  prize  drill  in 
Chicago — were  carried  throughout  our  whole  term  of  service 
from  October  llth,  1861,  to  the  final  discharge  at  the 
capital  of  the  State,  December  16th,  1865.  They  have 
gaily  waved  and  flaunted  through  the  valleys  and  over  the 
mountains  of  Western  Virginia,  and  have  victoriously 
floated  in  the  sun-kissed  breezes  of  the  Sea  Islands  of  South 
Carolina ;  their  folds  have  been  rent  and  riddled  by  swift- 
flying  missiles  and  stained  by  the  battle-smoke  of  many 
campaigns  in  the  "Old  Dominion"  ;  they  have  marked  the 
rallying  point  for  the  final  assault,  and  have  been  planted  on 
many  battlements  with  the  cry  of  Victory. 

Crowning  the  staff  of  the  blue  banner  presented  to  the 
regiment  by  Governor  Richard  Yates  is  a  magnificent  bronze 
eagle  bearing  the  following  inscription: 

"  PRESENTED  TO 
THE  THIRTY-NINTH  ILLINOIS  VETEBAN  VOLUNTEERS 

BY  MAJOB-GENEKAL  JOHN  GIBBONS, 

Commanding  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps, 

For  Gallantry  in  the  Assault  upon  Fort  Gregg, 

Petersburg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865." 

The  presentation  took  place  at  a  grand  review  of  the 
corps  held  at  Richmond,  Va.,  in  the  early  days  of  May, 
1865 — General  Gibbons  making  the  presentation  in  person, 
accompanied  by  some  very  flattering  remarks. 

In  this  assault,  which  was  witnessed  by  General  Grant, 
who  pronounced  it  one  of  the  most  brilliant  affairs  of  the 


UJ     „ 

1 1 


. 


THE  REQUA    BATTERY.  363 

war,  it  was  the  first  standard  planted  upon  the  fort — the  key 
that  unlocked  the  doors  of  Bichmond;  but  ere  it  gained  an 
entrance,  sixty  of  the  brave  men  who  fought  to  support  it 
were  smitten  by  the  missiles  of  the  enemy,  and  sixteen  of 
that  number  lie  side  by  side  under  the  shadow  of  that 
stronghold  where  they  fell. 

At  Appomattox  Court  House,  on  the  9th  of  April,  it 
was  again  foremost  in  the  conflict  which  compelled  the 
surrender  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  On  both 
occasions,  at  Fort  Gregg  and  at  Appomattox,  the  brave  men 
who  bore  it  were  shot  down.  The  Color-Sergeant,  Henry 
M.  Day,  who  was  wounded  when  planting  it  on  Fort  Gregg, 
was  rewarde^d  by  the  War  Department  with  a  medal  of 
honor.  The  deep  cut  near  the  center  of  the  colors  was  made 
by  the  thrust  of  a  rebel  bayonet  when  it  was  planted  upon 
the  parapet.  The  other  rents,  and  they  are  numerous,  mark 
the  passage  of  whizzing  minie  balls  and  whirring  grape  and 
shrapnel. 

If  these  old  banners  could  speak  in  other  fashion,  what 
a  tale  they  would  unfold,  and  with  what  interest  would  we 
not  listen! 


THE  EEQUA  BATTERY. 

This  battery,  used  in  the  operations  on  Morris  Island, 
S.  C.,  consisted  of  six  pieces,  each  piece  or  section  com 
prising  twenty-five  heavy  rifled  gun-barrels,  mounted  on  a 
two-wheeled  carriage.  The  accompanying  illustration  of  a 
section  of  it  will  give  a  much  better  idea  than  a  written 
description.  The  barrels  could  be  elevated  or  depressed  and 
spread  fan-shape  to  cover  a  greater  lateral  range  if  neces 
sary.  It  was  loaded  at  the  breech,  the  cartridges  being 
fixed  upon  a  bar  and  taken  from  the  caisson  in  that  manner 
—the  bar,  in  fact,  being  the  breech  of  the  gun — and  all  the 
cartridges  were  exploded  simultaneously  by  pulling  a  lan 
yard. 


364  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Iii  case  of  an  assault  at  short  range,  each  section  or 
piece  of  the  battery  was  intended  to  be  as  effective  and 
would  throw  as  much  lead  as  a  regiment  of  men  in  a  given 
time.  Sections  of  this  battery  were  stationed  along  the 
advanced  lines  at  the  siege  of  Fort  Wagner,  and  proved  to 
be  of  especial  service  in  protecting  the  sappers  and  miners 
while  extending  their  parallels.  The  men  required  to  oper 
ate  it  were  detailed  from  various  regiments,  and  at  the  time 
it  was  photographed,  as  is  shown,  the  full  battery  was 
manned  by  details  from  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  Third 
Vermont,  and  Ninth  Maine  regiments,  and  was  commanded 
by  First  Lieutenant  A.  W.  Wheeler,  Company  K,  and 
Second  Lieutenant  E.  Kingsbury,  Company  E,  of  the 
Thirty-Ninth  regiment.  Among  the  detail  from  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  were  Sergeant  Daniel  Smouse,  of  Company  K,  Cor 
poral  George  Burton,  and  Privates  W.  W.  Ely,  Charles  C. 
Hudson,  Thomas  Kinney  and  Hugh  K.  Snell,  with  some 
few  others  whose  names  are  not  recalled. 

The  section  in  charge  of  Corporal  Burton  and  Ely  and 
Snell  did  excellent  service  in  supporting  the  charge  made 
by  the  Twenty-Fourth  Massachusetts  one  evening  in  the 
month  of  August,  1863,  to  dislodge  the  rebel  sharpshooters 
in  front  of  Wagner,  the  rapidity  of  firing  and  the  well- 
directed  aim  of  the  piece  rendering  it  very  unsafe  for  the 
rebels  within  the  fort  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  their  sharp 
shooters  in  the  rifle-pits  outside,  and  they  were  easily 
captured.  But  as  soon  as  the  battery  disclosed  its  wherea 
bouts,  Forts  Gregg  and  Moultrie  and  the  mortars  at  Sumter 
opened  a  most  vigorous  fire  upon  it  for  a  short  time,  but 
without  effecting  much  damage. 

One  section  of  the  battery  was  placed  out  011  a  platform 
erected  in  the  water  some  distance  from  the  beach,  and  pro 
tected  by  bags  of  sand.  It  was  often  the  target  for  the 
enemy's  guns. 

The  detail  to  this  battery  were  not  kept  so  busy  but 


THE  REQUA   BATTERY.  365 

that  they  found  ample  time  to  concoct  schemes  for  mischief, 
and  opportunity  to  execute  them.  Judging  from  the  "yarns  " 
Comrade  W.  W.  Ely  tells  on  some  of  that  detail,  they  were 
not  exceptionally  moral  or  honest;  but  here  is  the  oppor 
tunity  to  judge  for  yourselves. 

He  says:  "One  evening  when  the  sutler  went  away 
from  his  quarters,  leaving  his  '  cullud '  servant  '  Lias '  in 
charge  of  his  establishment,  some  of  the  boys  put  up  a  job 
on  '  Lias  '  to  get  some  of  the  delicacies  in  store.  '  Lias  '  was 
a  very  honest,  frugal  and  economic  darkey  and  disliked  very 
much  to  see  anything  wasted;  and  the  boys,  taking  advan 
tage  of  this  peculiarity,  played  him  a  trick.  Securing  a 
canteen  and  filling  it  with  colored  water  they  proceeded  to 
the  tent  and  awoke  the  negro  and  told  him  that  they  had 
whisky,  and  also  that  they  were  obliged  to  get  rid  of  it;  and 
suiting  the  action  to  the  word  commenced  to  turn  it  out 
upon  the  ground. 

"'Hoi'  on!  hoF  on!'  says  'Lias;'  '  doan  yo'  frow  away 
dat  stuff — gib  it  hyar;'  and  he  started  in  search  of  some 
thing  to  hold  it.  And  while  he  was  so  employed  they  had 
the  desired  opportunity  to  execute  a  well-matured  plan. 
Ely  continues: 

"  As  the  streaks  of  dawn  made  their  appearance  over 
Sumter  and  Charleston  harbor,  two  men  were  throwing  the 
last  shovelful  of  dirt  over  the  resting-place  of  twenty-four 
kegs  of  Sutler  Brown's  choice  pickled  pig's-feet,  put  away 
as  a  reserve  for  luncheon." 

We  close  with  the  relation  of  one  other  incident  wherein 
the  boys  of  the  battery  made  another  "spec,"  but  in  a  little 
different  way,  which  shows  how  fertile  they  were  in  expe 
dients. 

At  one  time  when  the  Fifty-Fourth  Massachusetts  Col 
ored  regiment  was  holding  a  revival  meeting  in  their  camp, 
some  of  the  boys  gathered  together  a  lot  of  empty  cham 
pagne-cider  bottles  in  the  region  of  the  sutler's  establish- 


366  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

ment  and  filled  them  Avith  water  colored  with  coffee-grounds. 
These  they  nicely  corked,  sealed  and  boxed,  and  one  of  the 
number,  wearing  a  navy  cap  and  blouse  which  had  been 
picked  up  somewhere  near  the  wharf,  carried  the  box  over 
into  the  camp  of  the  negroes  to  sell.  N earing  the  vicinity 
of  the  meeting,  which  was  attended  with  all  the  customary 
shouting  and  enthusiasm  of  the  colored  brethren,  he  came 
to  a  tent  where  the  occupants  were  engaged  in  something 
very  dissimilar  to  prayer  and  praise — they  were  playing 
poker;  and  besides,  they  were  actively  "  cussing"  about  the 
loud  shouting,  which  seemed  to  disturb  their  game.  Think 
ing  that  the  place  to  sell  cider  was  where  they  "  cuss  " 
Christians,  the  "peddler"  poked  his  head  in  and  asked 
them  if  they  wanted  to  buy  some  good  champagne-cider, 
pretending  that  he  was  just  off  the  vessel  then  lying  in  the 
harbor.  "Ob  cou'se  we'll  buy  cider!"  said  one,  and  a  bar 
gain  was  soon  made  for  the  whole  lot;  and  before  the  corks 
could  be  pulled  and  the  cider  sampled,  the  "  pseudo  "  sailor 
was  out  of  reach  with  twenty-five  dollars  in  greenbacks. 


POEM  DEDICATED  TO  THE  THIRTY-NINTH. 
POEM. 

Dedicated  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  by  MARY  C.  WHITE,   wife  of  J. 
White,  of  Company  K. 

When  dangers  internal  our  native  land  threatened, 

And  our  flag  in  the  Southland  was  trailed  to  the  earth; 

When  the  cloud  of  "  Secession  "  burst  on  us  in  fury, 

And  Liberty  bled  in  the  home  of  her  birth; 

Then  like  wild-fire  along  the  brave  North  flew  the  watchword, 

Our  land,  undivided,  forever  shall  be! 

From  the  lakes  of  the  North  to  fair  Mexico's  border, 

And  across  its  broad  expanse  from  sea  unto  sea. 

From  farm  and  from  workshop,  from  office  and  college, 

The  Nation's  defenders  came  gallantly  forth. 

They  had  but  one  thought,  'twas  their  Country's  sore  peril, 

And  they  pledged  her  their  service,  brave  sons  of  the  North! 

They  fought  with  a  foeman  most  worthy  their  metal; 

The  conflict  was  fierce,  but  the  vict'ry  complete; 

They  fought  with  a  faith  that  ne'er  wavered  or  faltered, 

'Till  they  rescued  success  from  the  jaws  of  defeat. 

But  the  lives  of  brave  men  was  the  price  of  their  triumph, 
For  they  fell  on  the  field  that  their  valor  had  won; 
Or  in  marsh,  or  in  jungle,  or  prison-pen  loathsome, 
They  languished  and  died  'neath  the  fierce  Southern  sun. 
The  remnant,  by  wounds  and  diseases  enfeebled, 
Returned  to  their  homes  to  do  battle  for  life; 
Their  hearts  undefiled  by  the  malice  of  hatred, 
Animosities  dropped,  with  the  ending  of  strife. 

Yes!  when  our  proud  banner  with  stars  undiminished, 
On  the  soft  Southern  breezes  again  rose  and  fell, 
Then  the  soldier  re-echoed  the  voice  of  his  chieftain — 
"We  are  brothers  forever!  in  peace  let  us  dwell." 
Oh,  battle-scarred  veterans,  our  heroes  forever! 
We  will  weave  your  brave  deeds  in  undying  song; 
We  will  cast  you  in  bronzes  and  carve  you  in  marble, 
And  enshrine  you  forever!  our  saviors  from  wrong. 


CHAPTEK    XXII. 


THE    FIELD    AND    STAFF. 

Who  They  Were  and  What  Has  Become  of  Them — Roster  and  Biography — 
The  Non-Commissioned  Staff — Shoulder-Straps  and  Chevrons — The 
Original  Band— The  Band  of  1864-'65. 


KOSTER  OF  FIELD  AND  STAFF. 

Colonel  Austin  Light.  Received  his  commission  July  22d,  1861; 
dismissed  the  service  of  the  United  States  November  25th,  1861.  Is 
still  living,  and  is  a  resident  of  Chicago,  111.,  employed  by  the  West 
ern  News  Company. 

Colonel  Thomas  O.  Osborn.  Promoted  vice  Austin  Light,  dis 
missed  the  service.  Promoted  to  Brigadier-General  May  llth,  1865. 
Wounded  May  14th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  while  leading  the 
regiment  to  a  position  in  support  of  a  battery  of  artillery.  After 
his  recovery  he  rejoined  his  regiment,  and  was  assigned  to  the  com 
mand  of  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  Twenty-Fourth  Army 
Corps.  He  led  this  brigade  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April 
2d,  1865;  at  Rice's  Station,  April  7th;  and  at  Appomattox,  April  9th, 
1865,  where  his  horse  ("  Old  Mack  ")  was  shot  from  under  him. 

General  Osborn  was  born  in  Jersey,  Licking  county,  Ohio,  August 
llth,  1832.  He  received  his  education  at  the  University  of  Ohio,  from 
which  he  graduated  at  the  head  of  his  class.  Soon  after  leaving  college 
he  commenced  the  study  of  law  at  Crawfordsville,  Ind.,  with  Lewis  Wallace, 
late  Major-General  of  Volunteers.  After  being  admitted  to  the  bar,  he 
removed  to  Chicago,  111.,  in  the  winter  of  1858,  to  commence  the  practice 
of  his  profession,  locating  his  office  in  the  old  Tremont  building  on  Dear 
born  street. 

When  the  "  War  of  the  Rebellion  "  was  inaugurated,  he  with  some  of 
his  friends  enlisted  in  a  company  then  organizing.  For  some  reason  this 
company  was  never  fully  recruited,  and  failed  in  getting  accepted  into  the 
three  months'  service.  It  eventually,  however,  became  the  nucleus  of  the 
Thirty -Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers. 

The  record  General  Osborn  made  during  the  war  is  one  that  he  may 
well  feel  proud  of.  After  the  engagement  with  the  enemy  on  the  14th  day 
of  May,  1864,  he  was  breveted  Brigadier  -  General  for  brave  and  dis 
tinguished  services,  and  after  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  and 
the  closing  battle  at  Appomattox,  April  9th,  1865,  he  was  made  full 

368 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD   AND   STAFF.  369 

Brigadier-General  and  received  the  brevet  of  Major-General  of  Volunteers. 
He  was  not  only  a  popular  officer  in  the  field  among  his  command,  but  his 
popularity  had  extended  to  his  home  in  Chicago,  where  during  the  Soldiersr 
Fair  held  in  June,  1865,  he  was  awarded  one  of  the  prize  pistols  that  was  to 
be  presented  to  the  officer  receiving  the  greatest  number  of  votes.  He 
distanced  all  competitors,  receiving  369  votes  to  Colonel  Stockton's  348,  the 
whole  number  of  votes  cast  for  all  the  candidates  being  2,320.  After  his 
return  to  civil  life  he  was  nominated  by  President  Johnson  and  confirmed 
by  the  Senate  as  Postmaster  at  Chicago,  but  as  he  could  not  accept  of  the 
terms  accompanying  the  nomination,  the  commission  was  withheld. 

In  1868  he  became  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  country  treasurer  of 
Cook  county,  and  was  elected  by  a  large  majority.  After  serving  faithfully 
and  acceptably  through  his  term  of  office,  he  received  the  appointment  as 
one  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  National  Asylums  for  Disabled  Union 
Soldiers,  serving  with  Generals  B.  F.  Butler,  John  A.  Logan,  and  others. 
He  remained  in  this  service  up  to  1873,  when  he  was  appointed  Minister  to 
the  Argentine  Republic.  He  filled  this  position  with  great  honor  and  dis 
tinction  to  himself  and  most  satisfactorily  to  both  Governments  until  the 
change  in  the  Administration,  1884,  when  he  engaged  in  the  business  of 
railroad  construction  in  South  America,  with  headquarters  at  Buenos 
Ayres,  where  he  yet  remains. 

The  following  account  of  a  presentation  to  General  Osborn  by  the 
Government  of  the  Argentine  Republic  will  be  of  interest  to  the  comrades. 
It  is  taken  from  the  Chicago  Tribune  of  March  19th,  1884: 

"  A  year  or  more  ago  General  Thomas  O.  Osborn,  Minister  Resident 
of  the  United  States  to  the  Argentine  Republic,  and  the  Hon.  Thomas  A. 
Osborne,  of  Kansas,  our  Minister  to  Chili,  by  invitation  of  the  Govern 
ments  of  those  countries  respectively,  officiated  as  arbitrators  to  determine 
a  boundary  question  which  had  long  threatened  to  disturb  their  peaceful 
relations,  and  would  have  soon  culminated  in  war  unless  so  settled.  By 
persistent  and  conciliatory  negotiations  the  question  was  at  length  settled 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  both  parties. 

"For  his  ability  and  final  success  in  the  negotiations,  General  Os 
born  has  been  the  recipient  of  distinguished  honors  at  the  hands  of  the 
Argentines,  manifested  in  many  ways;  but  the  most  important  and  grati 
fying  is  the  presentation  to  him  by  President  Roca  of  a  magnificent 
allegorical  shield  on  behalf  of  the  Argentine  Government,  commemorat 
ing  the  event. 

"  Of  course  General  Osborn  cannot  accept  the  testimonial  without 
the  consent  of  Congress,  but  as  the  action  of  the  arbitrators  was,  in  a  sense, 
the  friendly  intervention  of  the  United  States,  averting  an  almost  certain 
war,  vindicating  the  principle  of  arbitration  where  its  application  is  pos 
sible,  and  thus  reflecting  credit  upon  our  country,  it  is  hardly  to  be  doubted 
that  the  consent  of  Congress  to  the  reception  of  the  beautiful  testimonial 
will  be  granted.  A  recent  number  of  El  Diario,  a  Buenos  Ayres  paper, 
says: 

"  Yesterday  the  magnificent  present  that  the  Argentine  Government 
makes  to  the  Minister  of  the  United  States,  General  Osborn,  in  commemo 
ration  of  his  good  offices  in  the  happy  arrangement  of  limits  question 
between  this  Republic  and  the  Chilian,  was  placed  on  view. 

24 


370  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

"The  shield,  which  is  ninety  centimetres  high  by  seventy-four  wide, 
is  sculptured  in  haut  and  bas-relievo,  and  bears  the  signatures  of  Gustave 
Dore,  author  of  the  allegorical  design;  Vernier,  the  engraver;  Camere, 
goldsmith;  and  the  famous  Froment-Meurice,  under  whose  direction  this 
work  of  art  was  executed;  and  is  composed  of  oxidized  silver,  gold,  iron, 
and  enamel. 

"  In  the  center  are  three  figures  in  relief,  emblematic  of  the  Argen 
tine  and  Chilian  Republics  and  of  the  United  States,  the  two  former  with 
their  right  hands  joined  as  a  sign  of  fraternity,  and  the  latter,  with  arms 
extended,  offering  to  each  of  the  former  an  olive  branch  as  the  emblem  of 
peace.  Beneath  these  figures  are  placed  the  arms  of  the  three  nations, 
elegantly  embossed  in  gold.  Above  is  the  Argentine  shield,  in  blue  and 
white  enamel,  ornamented  with  oak  leaves,  and  the  sun  of  May  spreading 
golden  rays. 

"  Surrounding  the  central  figures  are  three  symbols  of  pastoral,  agri 
cultural,  and  industrial  pursuits.  In  the  upper  part  of  the  shield  is  a  band 
of  gold,  twining  round  sheaves  of  corn,  palms,  and  vines  laden  with  golden 
grapes.  On  the  band  is  this  inscription: 

BUENOS  AIRES,  XXIII  de  Julio 

MDCCCLXXXI 
El  Gobierno  de  la  Republica  Argentina 

al 

General  D.  TOMAS  O.  OSBORN 
Ministro  de  los  Estadop-Unidos  de  la 

America  del  Norte 

Recuerdo  de  estima- de  limites    entre    la  Re- 
cion  por  los   amistosos.publica  Argentina  y  la  de 
oficios    de    S.    E.     du- Chile, 
rante     la     negociacionj 

"A  fanciful  enameled  border  serves  as  a  frame  to  the  shield,  which  is 
made  of  silver  and  gold." 

Colonel   Orrin    L.  Mann.    Promoted  Brigadier-General  by  "brevet" 
May  llth,  1865. 

General  O.  L.  Mann  was  born  in  Geauga  County.  Ohio,  November 
25th,  1833.  His  grandfathers  on  both  the  paternal  and  the  maternal  side 
served  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  several  of  his  uncles  served  in  the 
War  of  1812.  At  the  age  of  five  years  his  parents  moved  to  Monroe 
county,  Michigan,  where,  three  years  later,  his  father,  a  carpenter  and 
builder,  died.  He  was  one  of  a  large  dependent  family  of  children,  and 
hard  work  on  the  new  farm,  with  a  few  weeks'  schooling  each  year  in  the 
log  school-house,  was  his  occupation  until  he  reached  his  twentieth  year, 
when  he  entered  a  blacksmith-shop  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  to  learn  the  trade. 
He  worked  at  this  trade  for  one  year,  when,  by  reason  of  a  severe  physical 
accident,  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  it.  After  spending  several  years  in 
study  and  teaching,  he  removed  to  Chicago,  111.,  to  make  a  permanent 
home,  arriving  there  the  night  that  the  news  of  the  firing  on  Fort  Sumter 
reached  the  city.  His  business  engagement  was  soon  cancelled  and  he 
enlisted  in  Barker's  Dragoon.s,  but  owing  to  the  surplus  of  recruits,  did  not 
go  to  the  front  with  them.  He  was  soon  engaged,  however,  in  recruiting  a 
company  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  and  entered  the  service  as  its  Major. 

Prior  to  the  acceptance  of  the  regiment  into  the  United  States 
service,  at  the  request  of  Governor  Yates,  Major  Mann  went  to  St.  Louis, 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD  AND  STAFF.  •         371 

Mo.,  with  letters  to  Governor  Blair  and  General  Lyon,  and  urged  its  accept 
ance  into  the  service  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  but  did  not  meet  with  suc 
cess;  and  returning  to  Chicago,  he  obtained  letters  from  Governor  Yates 
and  others  to  the  authorities  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  started  immediately 
for  the  National  Capital.  Through  the  efforts  of  Senator  0.  H.  Browning 
and  Congressman  Owen  Love  joy  he  soon  had  interviews  with  President 
Lincoln  and  the  Secretary  of  War,  but  they  could  not  order  the  regiment 
into  service.  President  Lincoln  advised  him  to  take  cheap  quarters  and 
watch  the  developments  at  the  special  session  of  Congress  that  was  to 
convene  the  next  day.  The  President  might  better  have  said  watch  the 
developments  of  the  rebel  army  then  at  Bull's  Run,  Va.,  for,  three  weeks 
later,  that  army  had  put  to  rout  the  Union  forces,  and  the  order  was 
received  accepting  the  regiment. 

After  the  regimental  election  Major  Mann  was  sent  to  Springfield 
with  the  returns,  and  while  waiting  for  the  commissions  was  attacked 
with  typhoid  fever,  which  confined  him  in  that  city  of  strangers  for  six 
weeks.  He  was  not  able  to  join  the  command,  then  at  Williamsport,  Md., 
until  the  latter  part  of  November,  1861. 

Major  Mann's  first  engagement  with  the  enemy  was  early  in  January, 
1862,'  at  Berkeley  Springs  (Bath),  Va.,  which  is  elsewhere  recorded.  He 
was  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  in  December,  1861.  He  served  for  a 
short  time  on  the  staff  of  Generals  Lander  and  Williams,  but  insisted  on 
joining  his  regiment  when  active  service  in  the  field  commenced.  He  was 
General  Field  Officer  of  the  Trenches  the  night  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  was 
evacuated,  and  had  the  honor  of  first  sending  the  intelligence  to  General 
Gilmore,  and  it  was  under  his  immediate  direction  that  the  Thirty-Ninth, 
then  at  the  front,  was  first  to  plant  the  Stars  and  Stripes  on  the  fort. 

In  November,  1863,  Colonel  Mann  was  ordered  home  with  several 
non-commissioned  officers  on  recruiting  service.  He  immediately  pre 
sented  his  cause  in  various  localities  where  companies  had  been  raised 
for  the  regiment,  and  when,  a  few  weeks  later,  the  veterans  were  home  on 
furlough,  the  fruits  of  his  labors  were  clearly  manifest. 

He  was  seriously  wounded  in  the  left  leg  May  20th,  1864,  while  lead 
ing  the  regiment  in  a  "  charge "  on  the  enemy's  works  near  Bermuda 
Hundred,  Va.  He  was  confined  in  Chesapeake  Hospital,  Virginia,  for  six 
months,  and  served  for  the  next  two  months  on  a  general  court-martial 
at  Fort  Monroe,  Va.  In  January,  1865,  he  was  sent  by  General  E.  O.  C. 
Ord  to  Norfolk,  Va.,  as  provost-marshal  of  the  Southeastern  District  of 
Virginia.  He  was  commissioned  Colonel,  May  llth,  1865,  and  Brigadier- 
General  by  "  brevet,"  and  was  placed  in  command  of  the  Southeastern  Dis 
trict  of  Virginia  and  held  the  position  until  he  joined  his  regiment  for 
the  final  "  muster  out  "  December  6th,  1865. 

General  Mann's  home  is  in  Chicago,  111.,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the 
real  estate  business.  He  has  been  active  in  Republican  politics  and  has 
several  times  been  honored  by  his  party  with  elective  office. 


372  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Thomas  O.  Osborn.    Commissioned  July 

22d,  1861. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Orrin  L.  Mann.    Commissioned  December, 
1861 ;  wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  left  leg. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Homer  A.  Plimpton. 

Homer  A.  Plimpton  was  born  June  llth,  1838,  in  northeast  Erie 
county,  Pennsylvania;  came  West  to  Illinois  with  his  parents  in  1840. 
His  father  was  a  physician,  and  from  overwork  and  exposure  in  the  com 
paratively  new  and  thinly-settled  country  became  broken  in  health,  and  in 
]847  returned  East  with  his  family,  settling  in  Ohio  for  the  purpose  of  rest 
and  the  education  of  his  children.  In  1854  he  again  removed  to  Illinois, 
and  in  1856  Homer  entered  the  freshman  class  in  the  Northwestern  Uni 
versity  at  Evanston  and  graduated  with  honors  in  June,  1860.  The  follow 
ing  winter  and  spring  he  was  occupied  in  teaching.  At  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war,  he  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  as  an  American  citizen  to  respond  to 
the  call  of  his  country  in  the  great  struggle  for  National  life,  and  in 
August,  1861,  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois.  He  served  for 
nearly  one  year  in  the  ranks,  when  he  was  detailed  to  the  regimental 
hospital  department  as  clerk,  where  he  remained  until  January,  1864.  He 
re-enlisted  as  a  veteran. 

After  the  battles  of  May  16th  and  20th,  1864,  he  was  made  fifth  ser 
geant  of  his  company  to  fill  a  vacancy,  and  was  almost  immediately 
detailed  to  act  as  Sergeant-Major  vice  Reese  Bishop,  taken  prisoner.  He 
was  slightly  wounded  in  the  head  by  a  fragment  of  shell,  October  7th,  1864, 
and  soon  after  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant  vice  Amos  Savage, 
promoted;  and  on  December  4th,  1864,  was  commissioned  Captain  of 
Company  G  vice  Savage,  discharged  for  physical  disability,  and  by  virtue 
of  seniority  of  rank  took  command  of  the  regiment,  retaining  it  until  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service. 

During  the  final  campaign  which  resulted  in  the  surrender  of  General 
Lee's  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  he  was  promoted  to  Major  of  Volunteers 
by  the  War  Department  for  gallant  conduct  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va.,  April  2d,  1865,  and  he  received  a  commission  as  Major  of  the  regi 
ment  and  was  mustered  on  the  same  May  llth.  1865,  and  soon  after 
received  his  commission  as  Lieutenant-Colonel.  He  was  mustered  out  with 
the  regiment  at  Springfield,  111.,  December  6th,  1865. 

Colonel  Plimpton  was  never  absent  from  his  command  except  for  a 
period  of  thirty  days,  after  Lee's  surrender,  being  called  home  to  attend  the 
funeral  of  his  sister.  His  career  as  a  soldier  was  noticeable  for  unwearied 
attention  to  duty  of  whatever  kind,  and  was  remarkable  as  an  example  of 
rapid  and  well-deserved  promotion.  It  fully  illustrated  the  fact  that  merit, 
although  slow  of  recognition,  is  always  sure  of  it  when  circumstances 
admit.  Fortune  seems  to  have  withheld  all  her  favors  until  the  last 
moment,  in  order  to  make  a  grand  coup  de  main  at  the  finish  of  the  rebel 
lion,  for  honesty,  fidelity,  and  bravery. 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD   AND   STAFF.  373 

After  the  war,  Colonel  Plimpton  filled  the  position  of  Assistant 
Assessor  of  the  United  States  Internal  Revenue  Department;  after  which 
he  engaged  in  some  mining  operations  in  Colorado.  He  is  now  occupied 
in  stock-raising  in  New  Mexico,  while  his  family  still  remain  in  Chicago 
for  the  purpose  of  educating  their  children.  His  address  is  Silver  City, 
Grant  county,  N.  M. 
Major  Orrin  L.  Mann.  Commissioned  July  22d,  1861. 

Major  S.  W.  Munn.  Promoted  January,  1862,  vice  Mann,  pro 
moted.  Resigned  December,  1862,  by  reason  of  disability. 

Major  Sylvester  W.  Munn  was  a  native  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  New 
York,  and  was  taken  from  there  by  his  parents  when  but  a  child  to  the 
dense  forests  of  Ohio.  In  that  new  State,  which  was  the  cradle  for  so 
many  of  the  rank  and  file  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  young  Munn 
reached  his  manhood.  His  time  was  industriously  occupied  on  the  new 
farm,  and  in  the  district  school,  both  as  pupil  and  teacher;  and  after  a 
short  polishing  process  in  the  village  academy,  he  entered  a  law  office,  and 
in  due  time  was  admitted  to  practice. 

Early  in  the  'fifties  he  moved  with  his  young  family  to  Wilmington, 
111.,  where  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession.  There,  the  firing  on 
Fort  Sumter  found  him  in  the  midst  of  increasing  volumes  and  clients. 
He  was  the  first  to  report  with  a  full  company  for  the  regiment,  and  hence 
he  was  mustered  in  as  Captain  of  Company  A.  No  officer  entered  the 
regiment  better  equipped  than  Captain  Munn  for  the  duties  before  him. 
In  the  full  vigor  of  healthy  manhood,  standing  six  feet  high,  splendidly 
developed  physically  and  well-poised  mentally,  he  appeared,  as  he  really 
was,  a  fine  type  of  the  Volunteer  Soldier. 

Captain  Munn  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major  early  in  1862,  and 
was  constantly  on  duty  with  his  command,  excepting  a  short  interval 
when  he  was  ordered  by  General  Shields  to  duty  on  his  staff.  The  hard 
ships  and  exposures  of  1861-62  so  impaired  his  physical  condition  that  he 
was  obliged  to  tender  his  resignation  late  in  1862,  at  Suffolk,  Va . 

After  leaving  the  service  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  State  Attor 
ney  in  the  district  of  which  Will  county  forms  a  part;  the  duties  of  which 
he  discharged  creditably  and  with  great  distinction.  In  1868  he  removed 
to  Joliet  and  was  several  times  elected  to  responsible  offices,  the  last  being 
State  Senator.  In  this  capacity  he  became  interested  in  the  organization 
of  our  State  Guards,  and  did  much  to  help  bring  that  body  to  its  present 
fine  condition.  He  served  for  several  years  on  the  personal  staff  of 
Governor  Cullom,  with  the  rank  of  Colonel. 

Major  Munn  died  very  suddenly  of  apoplexy,  September  llth,  1888, 
at  his  home  in  Joliet,  and  was  laid  away  for  his  great  and  final  rest  in 
the  cemetery  at  that  place.  He  was  sixty-four  years  of  age. 

Major  Samuel  S.  Linton.  Wounded  through  the  lung  May  16th, 
1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  he  also  received  a  flesh 
wound  of  the  side  in  April,  1862,  near  Winchester,  Va. 


374  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Major  Lin  ton  was  born  in  Miami  county,  Indiana,  April  21st,  1836, 
but  was  raised  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  about  fifty  miles  from  Cincinnati, 
near  the  village  of  Waynesville.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  he  was  liv 
ing  in  Lee  county.  Illinois,  where  he  recruited  a  large  part  of  Company  D, 
Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers.  After  the  resignation  of  Major  S.  W. 
Muiin,  he  was  promoted  to  that  position  and  filled  it  with  honorable  dis 
tinction  until  wounded  at  Drury's  Bluff.  Va.  He  was  mustered  out  of  the 
service  November  10th,  1804,  and  went  to  his  farm  in  Illinois,  residing 
there  for  one  and  a  half  years,  when  he  sold  out  and  went  to  Toledo,  Ohio, 
where  for  the  next  twelve  years  he  resided,  being  engaged  the  most  part 
of  the  time  in  the  milling  business.  In  1876  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  the 
county,  and  after  serving  for  the  term  of  two  years,  he  removed  to  Mis 
souri,  where  he  remained  for  the  period  of  one  year  and  a  half,  then 
removing  to  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  grain  commis 
sion  business,  the  firm  being  S.  S.  Linton  &  Co.,  with  branch  office  at 
Duluth,  Minn.  His  address  is  1031  Sixth  Avenue,  South,  Minneapolis, 
Minn. 
Major  Homer  A.  Plimpton.  Promoted  Lieutenant-Colonel  May 

llth,  1865. 

Major  Minor  W.  Milliman.  Commissioned,  but  could  not  muster 
for  the  reason  that  the  aggregate  strength  of  the  regiment  did  not 
warrant  it.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Major  Milliman  was  a  popular  officer  and  thorough  soldier,  winning 
his  promotions  fairly  and  wearing  them  gracefully.  For  the  first  two 
years  after  leaving  the  service  he  did  nothing  but  speculate,  as  he  says. 
He  then  tried  to  farm  it  a  little,  then  engaged  in  the  grocery  business, 
jumping  from  that  into  trade  in  furniture,  and  after  a  while  sliding  into 
hardware  and  general  merchandising.  For  the  space  of  one  year  he  was 
in  the  creamery  business  at  Sheldon,  111.,  then  moved  to  Nebraska  and  went 
into  raising  stock — principally  feeding  sheep.  This  is  his  present  occupa 
tion,  and  his  address  is  Silver  Creek,  Merrick  county,  Neb. 

The  Major  had  command  of  eight  companies  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  on 
April  9th,  1865,  which  was  the  first  infantry  that  faced  Lee  at  Appomattox 
Court-House,  Va. 

Adjutant    Frank    B.   Marshall.     Commissioned  August  5th,  1861; 

resigned  July  15th,  1862. 

Prior  to  joining  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  Adjutant  Mar 
shall  had  been  a  member  of  the  famous  Ellsworth  Zouaves  of  Chicago 
and  was  well  versed  in  military  tactics.  He  took  an  active  part  in  recruit 
ing  and  was  much  interested  in  the  organization  of  Company  K,  which 
was  forming  at  Marseilles,  111.,  and  was  elected  as  First  Lieutenant,  but 
before  muster  into  the  United  States  service  he  was  appointed  Regimental 
Adjutant.  He  gave  much  time  and  attention  to  the  instruction  and  drill 
ing  of  the  newly-made  officers,  from  the  Colonel  down;  and  before  the 
regiment  left  Chicago,  he  made  the  selection  from  men  in  the  regiment  to 


ROSTER   OF  FIELD   AND  STAFF.  375 

form  a  company  to  compete  for  a  flag  offered  by  the  State  Commissioners 
of  Agriculture  to  the  best-drilled  company  of  volunteers  then  in  Chicago, 
and  won  it.  Daring  his  term  of  service  he  was  on  recruiting  service  a  large 
portion  of  the  time. 

When  he  resigned  his  commission  he  returned  to  Chicago  and  en 
tered  into  the  real  estate  business,  and  for  some  years  was  an  energetic 
business  man  and  did  well.  The  great  fire  in  Chicago,  1871,  upset  his  calcu 
lations  to  a  large  extent,  and  he  entered  the  regular  army  as  a  lieutenant, 
serving  for  a  short  time  on  the  frontier,  but  soon  resigned  and  returned  to 
Chicago,  where  he  engaged  in  various  enterprises  with  more  or  less  suc 
cess.  He  is  yet  a  resident  of  Chicago,  living  on  Bissel  street,  and  operates 
in  real  estate  to  some  extent.  Frank  has  had  his  full  share  of  the  "ups  " 
and  •'  downs  "  of  life,  the  "  downs  "  perhaps  predominating. 

Adjutant  Joseph    D.  Walker.     Promoted  July  15th,  1862;  died  of 
wounds  received  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  May  16th,  1864. 

Joseph  D.  Walker  enlisted  from  Lockport,  111.,  and  was  appointed 
Sergeant-Ma j or.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  he  was 
pursuing  the  study  of  law  in  the  office  of  E.  C.  Fellows,  Esq.  He  first 
entered  the  three  months'  service  at  Cairo,  where  he  organized  a  company 
from  among  the  men  gathered  there,  which  was  called  the  "  Prentiss 
Guards."  After  the  expiration  of  his  term  he  joined  his  fortunes  with  the 
"  Yates  Phalanx"  (Thirty-Ninth  Illinois).  He  was  a  faithful  man  in  his  line 
of  duty,  and  a  brave,  enthusiastic  soldier.  He  shared  in  all  the  fortunes 
of  the  regiment  with  an  even  temper  and  most  cheerful  spirit.  When  Fort 
Wagner,  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  was  taken,  he  had  the  honor  of  first  planting 
our  flag  upon  its  ramparts.  Socially  he  was  agreeable  and  entertaining; 
morally,  he  was  pure  and  without  reproach. 

The  wound  that  caused  Adjutant  Walker's  death  was  received  in  the 
bowels,  and  was  a  most  painful  one.  He  was  conscious  and  sensible  of  his 
condition  up  to  within  a  short  time  of  his  death.  The  first  question  he 
asked  the  writer  as  soon  as  he  saw  him  was,  "  Doctor,  is  my  wound  mortal? 
Can  I  live?"  Upon  being  told  that  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  recover, 
he  merely  said,  "It  is  well!"  and  turned  his  face  away.  His  body  was 
sent  home,  and  at  his  own  request  it  now  reposes  in  the  cemetery  at  Wil 
mington,  111. 

Adjutant   Leroy   Doud.     Promoted  May  16th,  1864,  and  mustered 
August  19th,  1864.     Mustered  out  of  service  January  23d,  1866. 

Lieutenant  Doud  enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111.,  as  a  private  in 
Company  B.  His  intelligence,  correct  deportment  and  faithful  attention 
to  duty  soon  recommended  him  to  his  superiors  for  promotion.  He  was 
first  taken  from  his  company  and  assigned  to  the  non-commissioned  staff 
as  Commissary  of  Subsistence,  ranking  as  Sergeant;  and  on  the  death  of 
Adjutant  Walker  was  chosen  to  fill  his  place,  serving  as  Adjutant  of  the 
regiment  until  January,  1865,  when  he  was  detailed  on  the  staff  of  Brigadier- 


376  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

General  T.  O.  Osborn  as  Assistant  Adjutant-General  of  the  First  Brigade, 
First  Division,  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps.  He  retained  this  position 
until  the  brigade  was  broken  up  and  ceased  to  be  an  organization.  He 
was  then  detailed  by  the  order  of  Major-General  Terry,  commanding  the 
Department  of  Virginia,  as  acting  Assistant  Ordnance  Officer  of  the  South 
eastern  District  of  Virginia,  with  headquarters  at  Norfolk.  Subsequently 
he  was  transferred  to  the  Inspector  General's  office  as  assistant.  When  the 
War  Department  order  came  to  muster  out  all  volunteer  staff  officers 
Lieutenant  Doud  was  detailed  to  the  staff  of  Brevet-Major  General  A.  T.  A. 
Torbert,  commanding  Southeastern  District  of  Virginia,  to  act  as  Assist 
ant  Adjutant-General,  where  he  served  until  the  command  was  dissolved, 
January,  1866. 

In  the  various  positions  that  he  was  called  upon  to  fill  Lieutenant 
Doud  was  respected  and  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  superiors  by 
his  honest  discharge  of  duty,  and  on  leaving  the  army  was  breveted  Major 
for  faithful  and  meritorious  service. 

Returning  to  his  home  he  soon  found  his  way  to  Chicago,  where  he 
received  the  appointment  of  Gauger  in  the  Internal  Revenue  service,  a 
position  that  he  held  for  some  years.  Afterwards  he  became  connected 
with  the  Shufeldt  Distilling  Company,  married,  and  settled  at  Englewood, 
111.  Misfortune,  however,  visited  him  through  some  unwise  speculations, 
and  he  became  a  bankrupt,  and  for  several  years  he  was  on  the  "  ragged 
edge  "  of  life  financially  and  otherwise.  He  finally,  in  1874,  departed  for 
new  pastures  in  the  West.  He  was  last  seen  at  Omaha,  Neb.  Since 
that  time  news  of  his  death  has  been  received — which,  however,  lacks 
confirmation. 

Quartermaster    Joseph    A.   Cutler.    Commissioned  July  22d, 
1861;  discharged  July  15th,  1862. 

Nothing  is  known  concerning  the  early  history  of  Cutler.  The 
writer  last  saw  him  in  New  York  city  in  1866,  at  which  time  he  was  an 
agent  for  Drew's  line  of  Hudson  River  steamers.  He  is  living,  but  his 
address  is  not  known. 

Quartermaster    Jonathan    F.   Linton.     Commissioned   June 

12th,  1862;  mustered  out  April  19th,  1864 — expiration  of  service. 

Jonathan  F.  Linton  was  born, — but  just  when  and  where,  and  under 
what  circumstances,  deponent  saith  not,  because  he  has  not  been  advised. 
He  was  the  son  of  his  father  and  mother,  however,  and  grew  up  in  course 
of  time  as  most  boys  do,  and  after  the  usual  disciplining  and  some  help  he 
became  a  self-reliant  and  a  self-made  man,  although  he  did  not  grow  his  own 
hair.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  unpleasantness  between  the  sections, 
his  patriotism  bubbled  over  to  the  extent  of  offering  his  services  to  help 
whack  out  Secession.  He  made  his  first  appearance  in  the  arena  of  war  as 
First  Lieutenant  of  Company  D,  and  made  an  honest,  brave  and  efficient 
officer. 

Among  his  chief  characteristics  were  neatness  and  pride  in  dress — an 


1.     DOCTOR  S.  C.   BLAKE. 

4.     MAJOR  S.  W.   MUNN. 

7.     MAJOR  MINOR  W.   MILLIMAN. 


2.     BRIG.  GEN'L  ORRIN   L.   MANN. 
5.     WM.  W.   ELY,  Co.   E. 
8.     MAJOR  S.  S.  LINTON. 


3.     LT.  COL.  HOMER  A.  PLIMPTON 
^6.     B'V'T-MAJOR  N.  C.  WARNER. 
*9.     CAPTAIN  N.   B.   KENDALL. 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD   AND  STAFF.  377 

unusually  good  appetite  for  his  rations,  and  a  suaviter  in  modo  that  was 
unexcelled.  He  always  complimented  the  intelligence  of  his  comrades  by 
prefacing  his  remarks  to  them  with  "  You  know"  ;  and  they  in  turn  con 
ferred  upon  him  the  title  of  "  Uno  "  as  a  distinction. 

After  the  regiment  had  lost  the  very  distinguished  and  capable  ser 
vices  of  Quartermaster  Joseph  A.  Cutler,  whose  loss,  it  was  thought,  would 
prove  irreparable,  Lieutenant  Linton  was  elevated  to  the  position,  and,  to 
his  credit  be  it  said,  the  Quartermaster's  Department  became  what  it 
should  have  been  from  the  first — a  well-ordered  and  well-administered 
office.  There  was  no  more  hungering  or  nakedness.  He  was  punctual, 
pugnacious  and  perennial  in  the  performance  of  duty;  somewhat  calcula- 
tive,  as  well  as  cumulative  in  disposition,  but  bold,  brave,  brawny,  and 
brainy,  as  occasion  required. 

After  his  term  of  service  he  modestly  retired  to  his  former  home  to 
renew,  it  is  supposed,  an  independent  struggle  for  subsistence  and  exist 
ence,  and  report  says  that  he  has  succeeded  beyond  expectation.  He  has 
gathered  together  a  great  many  "shekels" — more,  in  fact,  than  is  necessary 
for  any  one  man,  and  we  would  feel  much  obliged  if  he  would  remember  us 
in  his  will. 

He  is  living  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  or  was  at  last  accounts,  but  we  feel 
justified  in  thinking,  after  repeated  failures  to  get  response  to  a  request 
for  a  brief  biographical  sketch,  that  he  must  be  dead,  or  good  as  dead. 
This  will  account  for  the  present  imperfect  piece  of  biography. 

Quartermaster  Stewart  W.   Hoffman.    Promoted  vice  J.  F. 

Linton,   mustered  out.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the 
regiment. 

Hoffman  enlisted  from  Sandoval,  111.,  August  27th,  1861,  in  Company 
F,  and  was  made  a  Corporal.  He  was  a  very  intelligent,  active,  and 
reliable  young  man,  of  fine  address  and  good  manners.  He  was  soon 
transferred  to  the  non-commissioned  staff  as  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  and 
filled  the  position  most  acceptably.  July  7th,  1863,  he  was  commissioned 
First  Lieutenant,  but  not  choosing  to  muster  upon  it  and  serve  with  his 
company,  it  was  cancelled,  and  he  remained  in  the  Quartermaster's  Depart 
ment  until  the  expiration  of  the  service  of  J.  F.  Linton,  whose  place  he 
then  took.  The  writer  is  not  acquainted  with  any  facts  concerning  his 
early  life  or  post-bellum  record.  All  that  is  known  is,  that  after  the  war  he 
went  to  Gettysburg,  Penn.,  and  engaged  in  business,  and  there  he  died 
some  years  ago. 

Surgeon    Samuel     C.    Blake.     Commissioned    August   5th,    1861; 
resigned  June  3d,  1862. 

Samuel  C.  Blake  was  born  in  the  city  of  Bath,  Maine,  July  25th,  1826. 
The  Doctor  came  from  Revolutionary  stock,  his  grandfather,  John  Blake, 
having  served  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  in  the  Continental  Army  as  a 
member  of  his  cousin's  company,  Captain  Dearborn,  afterwards  Major- 


378  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

General  Dearborn,  for  whom  Fort  Dearborn,  Chicago,  was  named.  Grand 
father  Blake  was  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  also  at  the  laying  of  the 
corner-stone  of  Bunker  Hill  monument,  and  was  one  of  the  thirteen  sur 
vivors  of  that  battle  who  were  present  at  the  completion  of  the  monument. 
On  the  maternal  side  Dr.  Blake  is  connected  with  John  Hancock,  the  first 
signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  His  father,  Rev.  S.  P.  Blake, 
was  a  member  of  the  Maine  Annual  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  for  half  a  century. 

Samuel  received  his  academical  education  at  the  Maine  Wesleyan 
Seminary,  and  graduated  in  medicine  at  the  medical  department  of 
Harvard  University,  July  20th,  1853.  He  served  as  house  physician  in  the 
Massachusetts  general  hospital  one  year. 

After  practicing  medicine  in  Boston  three  years  and  a  half  the  Doctor 
went  West  to  Chicago  in  1856.  When  he  reached  Chicago  there  was  but 
one  medical  college  (Rush)  and  only  one  hospital  (Mercy).  In  1858,  in 
connection  with  the  late  Professor  Brainard,  Dr.  De  Laskie  Miller,  and 
J.  P.  Ross,  he  leased  the  old  City  Hospital  building  and  organized  the 
second  hospital  in  the  city.  In  18(51  Dr.  Blake  assisted  in  the  organization 
of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  but  the  regiment  failing  to  get  accepted,  he 
was  commissioned  Surgeon  of  the  Nineteenth  Illinois  Volunteers,  and 
accompanied  the  regiment  to  Missouri.  While  in  the  Nineteenth  he  was 
detailed  on  the  staff  of  General  Hurlbut  and  ordered  to  inspect  the  regi 
mental  hospitals  at  Quincy,  111.,  which  duty  was  acceptably  performed. 
He  organized  a  general  hospital  at  Quincy  which  was  continued  during  the 
war. 

After  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  was  accepted  by  the  Government,  Dr. 
Blake  was  transferred  to  it  as  the  surgeon.  In  January,  1862,  at  Hancock, 
Md..  he  was  detached  from  his  regiment  and  ordered  to  organize  a  brigade 
hospital,  which  he  proceeded  to  do,  and  had  charge  of  it  until  the  troops 
were  ordered  to  advance  to  Winchester,  Va.  During  General  Banks'  cam 
paign  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  he  was  detailed  to  take  charge  of  the 
general  hospital  of  his  army  at  Mount  Jackson,  Va.  Dr.  Blake  organized 
three  large  hospitals,  and  when  the  army  fell  back  to  Strasburgh,  Va.,  he 
organized  a  large  field  hospital  in  which  he  had  a  thousand  sick  and  wounded 
soldiers  of  both  armies. 

That  the  Doctor's  professional  skill  and  devotion  to  duty  was  appre 
ciated  is  manifest  by  the  accompanying  letters: 

"  HEADQUARTERS 

"  FIBST  DIVISION,  DEPARTMENT  OF  SHENANDOAH, 
"  NEAR  EDENBUBO,  VA. 

"April  12th,  1862. 

"DR.  SAMUEL  C.  BLAKE,  Surgeon  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers: 
"Dear  Sir:  *      I  have  had  ample  opportunity  of 

estimating  your  ability  as  a  hospital  surgeon,  and  feel  much  pleasure  in 
being  able  to  testify  to  the  care  and  attention  bestowed  upon  the  menr 
and  to  the  professional  skill  displayed  on  many  occasions,  when  the  service 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD  AND  STAFF.  379 

required  it.  In  field  hospitals,  where  many  things  needful  for  the  comfort 
of  the  sick  soldier  have  to  be  improvised,  a  faithful  devotion  to  duty  and 
self-sacrifice  are  qualities  eminently  needed;  in  your  display  of  these  I 
have  also  been  witness,  and  put  on  record  here  my  complete  appproval 
and  satisfaction  with  your  conduct  at  the  Brigade  Hospital,  Hancock. 
"  I  am,  Doctor, 

"  Yours,  respectfully, 

"THOMAS  ANTISELL, 

"  Brigade-Surgeon  Volunteers,  and  Medical  Director  First  Division,  Depart 
ment  of  the  Shenandoah" 

"  HEADQUABTEBS 

"  THIBTY-NINTH  REGIMENT  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEEBS, 

"  HABBISON'S  LANDING,  JAMES  RIVEB,  VA., 

"  ABMY  or  THE  POTOMAC. 

"  August  5th,  1862. 
"  DB.  S.  C.  BLAKE, — 

" My  Dear  old  Surgeon:  ******  if  at  any  time  you  should 
need  my  good  offices,  they  shall  be  freely  given  you,  for  that  good  name 
and  reputation  which  you  won  for  yourself  and  my  regiment  in  the  medical 
department  of  the  army  in  the  field,  and  I  cannot  forget  that  high  and 
never-to  be-forgotten  compliment  paid  me  as  your  commanding  officer 
by  Major-General  Williams,  in  your  behalf,  for  your  distinguished  services 
when  in  charge  of  the  general  hospital.  ******  Please  accept 
the  kindest  wishes  of 

"  Yours,  truly, 

"  THOS.  O.  OSBOBN,  Col.  39th  Ills.  FoZs." 

Owing  to  the  severe  exposures  and  great  responsibilities  resting  upon 
the  Doctor  during  the  campaign,  he  found  hinself  suffering  with  chronic 
hepatitis  and  diarrhoea  which  compelled  him  to  resign  his  commission. 
After  seeking  health  for  a  year,  and  being  partially  restored,  he  again 
entered  upon  the  general  practice  of  his  profession  in  Chicago.  In  1863 
he  was  elected  County  Physician  of  Cook  County,  and  in  1865-66  was  the 
City  Physician.  It  was  during  Dr.  Blake's  term  as  City  Physician  that 
the  last  epidemic  of  cholera  visited  Chicago.  At  that  time  there  was  no 
Superintendent  of  Health,  no  Medical  Inspectors,  and  no  Sanitary  Police 
force,  the  duties  of  all  these  offices  devolving  upon  the  City  Physician  and 
one  health  officer,  a  layman. 

In  the  year  1868,  Dr.  Blake  was  elected  a  member  of  the  old  Board 
of  Supervisors,  and  for  the  whole  year  labored  with  all  the  influence  he 
could  bring  to  bear  upon  the  board,  assisted  only  by  the  late  Hon.  J.  P. 
Ross,  to  prevail  upon  them  to  open  the  old  City  Hospital  building  as  a 
county  hospital;  and  after  a  year's  hard  and  earnest  work,  prevailed  upon 
them  to  do  so  as  an  experiment.  Thus  was  laid  the  foundation  for  the 
present  magnificent  County  Hospital,  the  largest  and  best  equipped 
hospital  in  the  Northwest. 

Dr.  Blake  also  aided  in  establishing  the  Women's  and  Children's 
Hospital  of  Chicago,  being  now  one  of  the  consulting  staff,  having  been 
on  that  staff  most  of  the  time  since  its  organization. 

Dr.  Blake  also  was  one  of  the  physicians  who  organized  the  W7oman's 


380  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Medical  College  of  Chicago,  and  occupied  the  chair  of  "Diseases  of  Mind 
and  Nervous  System  "  for  seven  years;  has  been  a  Fellow  of  the  Massa- 
chussets  State  Medical  Society,  Boston  Medical  Society,  American  Medical 
Association,  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  and  Chicago  Medical  Society; 
is  now  one  of  the  consulting  staff  of  the  Women's  and  Children's  Hospital 
of  Chicago,  and  consulting  neurologist  of  the  Wesley  Hospital.  He  resides 
at  576  Fullerton  Avenue,  Chicago,  111. 

Surgeon  Charles   M.  Clark.     Promoted  June  3rd,  1862,  vice  Blake 
resigned. 

Dr.  Clark  was  born  October  8th,  1834,  at  Manlius  Square,  Onondaga 
county,  New  York.  In  1836  his  parents  removed  to  New  York  City,  and  in 
1840  went  to  the  western  part  of  the  state,  locating  at  Gaines  and  later 
at  Albion,  Orleans  county.  He  received  a  liberal  education  at  the  Albion 
Academy,  and  after  graduating  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  with 
Dr.  William  Noble  at  Albion,  and  pursued  it  for  some  two  years,  when  he 
went  to  New  York  City  and  commenced  clerking  in  a  drug  store  on  Avenue 
B,  and  later  at  Williamsburg,  Long  Island.  In  1855  he  entered  the  medical 
department  of  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York,  and  graduated  the 
4th  of  March,  1857.  After  graduation  he  returned  to  Albion,  N.  Y.,  but 
shortly  afterwards  removed  to  Portage  City,  Wis.,  and  from  there  to 
Horicon,  Wis.,  where  he  asssociated  himself  with  Dr.  Harshaw  and  com 
menced  the  practice  of  his  profession;  but  in  the  winter  of  1858  went  to 
Chicago. 

In  the  Spring  of  1860  the  Doctor  went  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  in 
search  of  health  and  fortune — the  former  was  gained,  but  the  latter  was 
not  found;  and  returning  in  the  fall  of  1860,  he  wrote  and  published  a 
book  on  his  trip  to  "Pike's  Peak."  In  April,  1861,  he  together  with 
Thomas  O.  Osborn  enlisted  in  a  company  then  forming  in  Chicago,  but  it 
was  not  mustered  into  the  service,  and  he  then  engaged  in  assisting  the 
organization  of  the  "  Yates  Phalanx,"  and  in  August,  1861,  after  passing 
examination  before  the  State  Medical  Examining  Board,  was  commissioned 
as  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  regiment.  He  followed  the  Thirty-Ninth  all 
through  its  long  term  of  active  service,  occupying  the  various  positions 
of  Brigade  and  Division  Surgeon,  and  after  all  battles  was  assigned  to  the 
operating  tables.  In  April,  1863,  he  was  made  Post-Surgeon  and  in  charge 
of  hospital  at  Folly  Island,  S.  C.;  also  member  of  the  Examining  Board. 
At  the  capture  of  Morris  Island  he  was  made  an  Operating  Surgeon. 

April  30th,  1864,  by  order  of  General  Terry,  Dr.  Clark  was  announced 
as  Chief  Medical  Officer  of  the  First  Division,  Tenth  Army  Corps.  Janu 
ary  8th,  1865,  he  was  permanently  detached  from  the  regiment  by  General 
Ord  and  appointed  Chief  Operating  Surgeon  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army 
Corps,  and  June  18th,  1865,  after  the  surrender  of  Lee,  was  appointed  by 
General  Gibbons  Surgeon-in-Charge  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps 
hospital  at  Richmond,  Va.,  and  September  6th,  1865,  he  was  ordered  to 
report  to  General  A.  T.  A.  Torbert,  commanding  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  as 


SURGEON  CHARLES  M.  CLARK. 

From    Photographs  taken   in    1863—1889. 


ROSTER    OF  FIELD   AND  STAFF.  381 

Chief  Medical  Officer  of  the  District  and  Surgeon  of  the  Post  Hospital, 
which  position  he  retained  until  his  muster  out  of  service,  December  6th, 
1865.  He  left  the  service  with  a  good  record  and  with  the  commendations 
of  Surgeon-General  Barnes. 

February  22d,  .1866,  Dr.  Clark  married  and  settled  in  Chicago  in 
practice.  In  1868  he  was  appointed  Surgeon  to  the  Soldiers'  Home  at  Chi 
cago.  After  the  death  of  his  wife  in  1872,  he  accepted  an  appointment  in 
the  Regular  Army,  and  served  at  Fort  Lamed,  Kansas,  for  some  months; 
was  then  ordered  to  Fort  Riley,  and  from  there  to  Fort  Union,  New 
Mexico;  then  to  Santa  Fe,  Fort  Bascom,  and  then  back  to  Fort  Union, 
where  he  acted  as  Post  Surgeon  until  he  left  the  service. 

In  1875  he  was  induced  to  locate  at  Salina,  Kansas,  where  he  engaged 
in  practice  and  remained  until  1880,  when  he  returned  to  Chicago.  His 
address  is  1086  Grenshaw  street,  Chicago,  111. 

Assistant  Surgeon  Charles  M.Clark.    Commissioned  August 

5th,  1861.     Promoted  Surgeon  June  3d,  1862,  vice  Blake  resigned. 

First   Assistant   Surgeon    James    Crozier.    Commissioned 

First  Assistant  Surgeon,  December  6th,  1862;  joined  the  regiment  at 
Suffolk,  Va. 

Dr.  Crozier  comes  of  Scotch-Irish  parentage  and  is  descended  from 
the  "  old  Revolutionary  stock."  He  was  born  in  Davis,  Edgar  county, 
Illinois,  April  8th,  1834.  His  father  was  a  soldier  in  the  Indian  war  of  1832 
and  built  the  first  house  and  the  first  mill  in  Davis,  111. 

The  Doctor  moved  to  the  village  of  Chicago  in  1836,  and  from  there 
to  Joliet,  111.,  and  in  1840  moved  to  a  farm  in  Johnson  county,  Iowa,  which 
he  helped  to  improve.  He  attended  the  county  schools  and  in  1850-51 
attended  the  Academy  in  Iowa  City,  and  afterwards  the  Edgar  Academy, 
where  he  received  a  practical  and  finished  education.  He  taught  school 
for  several  years,  and  in  1857  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr. 
Samuel  McClure  at  Olney,  111.;  attended  Rush  Medical  College  in  the 
winter  and  spring  of  1858-59.  In  the  spring  of  1860  he  married  and  went 
to  Parkersburg,  111.,  and  hung  out  his  "  shingle." 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  Dr.  Crozier  raised  a  company  for  the 
three  months'  service  and  afterwards  assisted  in  recruiting  a  company  for 
the  three  years'  service,  and  went  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  with  them  in  the  fall  of 
1861.  The  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  was  then  in  Benton  Barracks.  He  had 
recruited  forty  men  for  the  First  Missouri  cavalry,  but  finding  that  they 
were  being  swindled  in  their  horses,  he  turned  them  over  to  Captain 
Dodson's  Company  of  Illinois  cavalry,  and  they  became  the  body-guard  of 
General  S.  R.  Curtis.  His  men  honorably  released  him,  and  he  went  into 
the  hospital  at  Springfield,  111.,  under  Dr.  R.  S.  Ford  as  Assistant  Surgeon. 

In  the  fall  of  1861  he  went  before  the  Medical  Examining  Board  at 
Chicago  and  was  assigned  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volun 
teers.  After  the  war  he  went  to  Clinton,  Ind.,  where  he  practiced  his 
profession  up  to  1883,  when  he  went  to  Washington,  D.  C..  in  the  office  of 


382  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

the  Medical  Pension  Examining  Board  and  where  he  yet  remains.  The 
Doctor  was  continuously  with  the  regiment  from  the  day  he  joined  it,  and 
for  a  large  portion  of  the  time  was  acting  Surgeon  by  reason  of  the  Sur 
geon's  absence  on  detached  service. 

Second  Assistant  Surgeon  William  Woodward.  Com 
missioned  December  9th,  1862,  and  joined  the  regiment  at  Suffolk, 
Va. 

In  January,  1805,  Dr.  Woodward  was  appointed  acting  Medical  Pur 
veyor  of  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps.  April  llth,  1805,  he  was  trans 
ferred  to  the  Fifty-Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers  (consolidated)  Infantry,  and 
commissioned  as  Surgeon,  and  was  mustered  out  of  the  service  April  1st, 
1866. 

After  the  war  he  removed  with  his  family  to  some  point  in  Missouri, 
somewhere  near  Moberly,  and  after  some  years  went  to  Wisconsin,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Never  a  very  robust  man,  his 
health  began  to  suffer  before  he  left  the  service,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
"  muster  out  "  it  was  very  much  broken. 

He  died  of  consumption  of  the  lungs  some  seven  years  ago. 

Second    Assistant    Surgeon    Anthony   De   Normandie. 

Promoted  July  13th,  1865;  could  not  muster.     Mustered  out  as  Hos 
pital  Steward  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment. 

De  Normandie  entered  the  service  from  Gardner,  111.,  enlisting  in 
Company  A.  On  reaching  Chicago  he  was  appointed  Hospital  Steward. 
He  served  faithfully  and  satisfactorily  in  this  capacity  to  the  close  of  the 
war.  In  1863  he  was  detailed  to  the  post  hospital  on  Folly  Island,  S.  C. 
In  May,  1864,  he  was  again  detailed  to  act  as  steward  and  assistant  at  the 
field  hospital  of  the  Tenth  Army  Corps  with  Surgeon  Clark,  and  as  Com 
missary  Steward  at  the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps  hospital  at  Richmond, 
Va.,  and  again  at  the  post  hospital  at  Norfolk,  Va.  After  the  transfer  of 
Assistant  Surgeon  Woodward  to  the  Fifty-Eighth  Illinois,  De  Normandie 
was  recommended  to  the  Governor  of  the  State  for  a  commission,  which 
was  granted  on  the  basis  of  meritorious  service.  He  was  ever  ready  for 
duty  and  always  at  hand,  and  was  prompt  and  reliable,  and  became  known 
in  the  regiment  as  the  "  old  wheel-horse."  After  the  war  he  returned  to 
his  home  and  resumed  the  practice  of  medicine.  Some  years  ago  he 
removed  to  Braceville,  111.,  where  he  now  resides. 

Chaplain  Charles  S.  McReading.  Commissioned  October  9th, 
1861;  resigned  August  9th,  1862. 

Chaplain  "  Mack,"  as  he  was  familiarly  called,  entered  the  service 
from  Channahon,  111.  Nothing  can  be  said  of  his  early  history,  as  the 
writer  is  wholly  unacquainted  with  it.  While  in  the  service  he  was  active 
and  devoted  to  his  duties,  although  but  seldom  with  the  regiment  on 
account  of  its  being  continually  on  the  move,  and  his  health  did  not  per 
mit  of  his  sharing  the  privations  and  exposures  that  were  encountered  up 


NON-COMMISSIONED  STAFF.  383 

to  the  date  of  the  regiment  going  into  winter  quarters  at  Suffolk,  Va.,  in 
September,  1862.  The  spiritual  comfort  derived  from  the  Chaplain's  min 
istrations,  for  the  reasons  above  mentioned,  were  almost  "  nil,"  but  he 
proved  most  useful  after  the  visit  of  the  paymaster  in  being  the  messenger 
for  those  who  wished  to  send  money  home.  December  21st.  1864,  he  was 
again  commissioned  as  Chaplain  to  the  regiment,  but  could  not  muster, 
and  in  fact  never  joined  it.  He  died  some  years  ago. 


NON-COMMISSIONED    STAFF. 

Sergeant-Major  Joseph  D.  Walker.   Enlisted  September  19th, 

1861.     Promoted  Adjutant  July  15th,  1862,  vice  Marshall,  resigned. 

Sergeant-Major    Reese    Bishop.     Enlisted  from  Leroy,  111., 

October  18th,  1861.    Died  at  Andersonville  Prison,  Georgia,  November 

7th,  1864. 

Reese  Bishop  was  an  excellent  young  man,  prompt  and  faithful  in 
the  performance  of  duty,  and  much  loved  by  his  comrades.  He  was  taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Never  the  pos 
sessor  of  a  very  rugged  physique,  and  more  than  usually  enfeebled  from  a 
late  sickness  at  the  time  of  his  capture,  his  condition  was  little  calculated 
to  withstand  the  rough  and  brutal  treatment  of  his  captors,  and  sustain  the 
exposure  and  privations  of  that  most  vile  and  loathsome  prison-pen.  The 
only  news  we  ever  had  from  poor  Reese  was,  that  he  was  last  seen  by  a 
comrade  in  a  most  pitiable  condition  and  just  able  to  crawl  about  on 
hands  and  knees,  when  he  remarked  that  he  was  not  able  to  stand  it  much 
longer,  and  was  praying  for  release. 

Sergeant-Major   Ephraim   W.  Hawthorne.    Enlisted  from 

Fremont,   111.        Promoted  February  9th,  1864,  vice   Reese  Bishop, 
died.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 
Nothing  further  is  known  of  Hawthorne  since  he  left  the  service. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant  Frederick  Clapp.    Enlisted  from 

Chicago,    111.,    August    5th,    1861.      Was    reduced   to   the  ranks    and 
assigned  to  Company  A,  September  30th,  1861.     Mustered  out  Sep 
tember  9th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
The  last  known  of  him  he  was  living  at  Buffalo.  N.  Y. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant  Stewart  W.  Hoffman.    Enlisted 

from  Sandoval,  111.     Promoted  to  Quartermaster  August  5th,  1864. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant  Christopher  E.  Courson.  Pro 
moted  August  5th,  1864,  vice  Hoffman,  promoted.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment. 

Christopher  E.  Courson  was  born  September  4th,  1837,  in  Tioga 
county,  New  York;  was  brought  up  on  his  father's  farm,  and  lived  there 
until  his  twenty-first  year,  when  he  emigrated  to  Illinois,  and  was  employed 
as  a  farm  hand  until  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  when  he  enlisted  for  the  three 
months'  service  in  a  company  that  was  organized  at  Centralia  by  Captain 
Probst,  but  the  company  failed  of  acceptance.  He  then  enlisted  in  Com- 


384  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

pany  F,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  for  three  years.  He  proved  an  able  and 
efficient  soldier,  and  participated  in  all  the  movements  of  the  regiment, 
ending  with  the  parole  of  Lee's  army  at  Appomattox.  After  the  war  he 
returned  to  his  old  pursuit  in  Marion  county,  111.,  but  his  health  failing,  he 
went  East,  endeavoring  to  find  an  occupation  better  suited  to  his  strength, 
but  was  not  successful. 

In  1867  he  married  and  settled  upon  a  small  farm  in  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  remained  six  years.  He  removed  in  1873  to  a  homestead  in 
Kansas,  and  commenced  improvements.  Soon  after  making  settlement,  a 
postoffice  was  established  at  Courson's  Grove,  and  he  has  been  the  post 
master  for  the  past  twelve  years,  but  without  profit.  He  states:  "least 
my  first  vote  for  Uncle  Abraham  Lincoln  and  my  last  for  Benjamin  F. 
Butler  for  President.  In  religion  I  am  and  always  have  been  minus.  I 
realize  that  I  am,  with  the  remaining  veterans  of  the  Thirty-Ninth,  some 
what  along  the  down-grade  of  life,  but  just  how  soon  I  shall  reach  the 
bottom  I  cannot  tell;  nor  can  I  say  with  Horace  Greeley  that  'I  await  the 
opening  before  my  steps  of  the  gates  of  the  eternal  world';  but  without 
fear  or  anxiety  I  look  forward  and  await  that  eternal  oblivion  which  must 
surely  o'ertake  us  all." 

Commissary-Sergeant  Allen  B.  Johnson.  Enlisted  August 
5th,  1861,  and  appointed  Commissary-Sergeant.  Promoted  Second- 
Lieutenant  of  Company  A.  (See  Lieutenant  Johnson,  Company  A.) 

Commissary-Sergeant  James  Wightman.     Enlisted  from 

Odell,  111.,  August  12th,  1861.  Appointed  Commissary-Sergeant,  vice 
Johnson,  promoted.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant,  Company  C.  (See 
Captain  Wightman,  Company  C.) 

Commissary -Sergeant  Abiram  B.  Johnson.  Promoted 
January  24th,  1862,  vice  Wightman,  promoted.  Enlisted  from  Le- 
Roy,  111.,  September  12th,  1861,  in  Company  I,  and  was  mustered  out 
September  12th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Comrade  Johnson  was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  February  20th, 
1832,  and  after  his  school-days  were  over,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the 
carpenter's  trade.  In  1854  he  left  Ohio,  thinking  it  advisable  to  proceed 
further  West.  In  1859  he  caught  the  "  gold  fever,"  and  ventured  a  trip 
to  Pike's  Peak,  but  his  expectations  were  not  realized — that  is,  he  did  not 
pick  up  a  fortune.  When  "  Uncle  Sam  "  wanted  soldiers  he  enlisted,  as 
previously  stated,  in  Company  I,  and  in  due  time  was  promoted  to  Com 
missary  of  Subsistence.  The  comrades  know  that  Johnson  was  a  good 
soldier  and  a  good  provider;  that  he  always  had  the  best  the  market 
afforded,  and  that  when  he  could  make  connections  there  was  no  danger  of 
going  hungry.  We  remember  him  as  always  good-natured,  jolly  and 
obliging,  as  well  as  faithful,  prompt  and  soldierly. 

We  have  met  with  him  several  times  since  the  war,  and  always  found 
him  to  be  the  same  Johnson  we  are  writing  about.  He  and  Father  Time 
seem  to  have  compromised  on  the  matter  of  growing  old.  He  is  married, 


NON-COMMISSIONED   STAFF.  385 

of  course,  and  we  lately  heard  that  he  had  been  celebrating  his  silver  wed 
ding  at  his  home  in  Le  Roy,  111.  We  congratulate  him,  and  wish  that  he 
and  his  may  live  to  celebrate  the  diamond  one,  fifty  years  hence,  and  that 
he  may  be  honored  as  a  great-great-grandfather. 

Commissary  Sergeant  Charles  F.  Frisbie.    Promoted  Jan 
uary  1st,  1864.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment. 

While  he  carried  the  knife  and  steel,  Charley  was  the  peer  of  all  his 
predecessors.  His  long  service  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  a  soldier's 
needs,  prior  to  his  elevation,  had  admirably  fitted  him  for  the  position. 
He  had  been  well  trained  in  all  the  details  that  made  foraging  an  accom 
plishment,  and  if  "  Uncle  Sam's  "  fresh  beef  failed  to  go  round,  he  could  be 
depended  upon  to  make  up  the  deficiency  in  fresh  pork  and  mutton  that 
somehow  or  other  would  come  at  his  call.  He  always  knew  where  the 
fattest  turkeys,  the  most  juicy  mutton,  the  choicest  pork  and  the  sweetest 
honey  was  to  be  found — knew  it  by  intuition  and  without  much  effort;  and 
he  also  possessed  the  faculty  of  appreciating  and  anticipating  the  wants  of 
the  headquarters'  mess.  When  army  beef  was  deficient  in  South  Carolina 
he  could  furnish  "  alligator  steaks;"  and  in  Virginia,  when  mutton  was 
scarce,  he  could  furnish  "  mountain  rabbits."  He  was  active,  vigilant, 
reliable;  was  a  thorough  patriot;  did  not  believe  in  giving,  lending  or 
leaving  aid  or  comfort  to  the  enemy;  and,  withal,  Charley  was  a  good 
soldier.  After  the  war,  he  returned  to  Chicago,  married  a  most  estimable 
lady,  and  has  a  family  of  eight  children,  one  of  whom,  the  eldest  son,  was 
lately  married  and  has  a  brilliant  future  before  him.  Frisbie,  for  the  past 
eleven  years,  has  been  connected  with  an  extensive  livery  establishment — 
in  fact,  runs  it — on  Madison  street,  Chicago,  and  resides  at  1335  West 
Fulton  street. 

Hospital  Steward  Anthony  De  Normandie.   Enlisted  August 

5th,  1861,  from  Gardner,  111.,  in  Company  A,  and  appointed  Hospital 
Steward.  Promoted  Second  Assistant  Surgeon  July  13th,  1865,  but 
could  not  muster.  (See  Assistant  Surgeon.) 

Chief  Musicians. 

HENBY  T.  JONES,  enlisted  from  Pontiac,  September  21st,  1861,  and 
appointed  Chief  Musician.  Discharged,  June  3d,  1862,  for  dis 
ability.  Is  living  at  Atlantic  City,  Iowa. 

ROBEBT  C.  HOLLOWELL,  enlisted  from  Le  Roy,  111.,  September  18th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  18th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  ser 
vice.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

LEANDEB  M.  MOTT,  enlisted  from  Chicago,  111.,  August  15th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  June  20th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Mott  is  living  at  Englewood,  111.,  and  makes  as  good  a  citizen  as  he 
was  soldier,  and  is  daily  assisting  in  building  up  that  suburban  town  with 
his  labor,  being  a  carpenter  and  builder. 

25 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

PHILIP  M.  LACE,  enlisted  from  Poiitiac,  111.,  January  5th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment.  He  had  previ 
ously,  September  20th,  1861,  enlisted  as  leader  of  the  regimental 
band,  but  was  mustered  out  by  order  of  the  War  Department,  as 
has  previously  been  mentioned. 

Lace  was  an  excellent  musician  and  teacher,  and  was  much  re 
spected  for  his  many  good  qualities.  He  labored  diligently  and  unceasingly 
to  develop  the  full  capacity  of  each  member,  and  strove  faithfully  to  bring 
his  band  up  to  his  ideal  of  what  a  military  band  should  be.  It  ultimately 
reached  a  standard  of  excellence  that  made  it  the  leading  band  of  the 
Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps.  Lace  had  inherited  the  seeds  of  consump 
tion  which  the  exposures  in  the  army  served  to  develop,  and  he  died  from 
consumption  of  the  lungs  in  1872,  and  is  buried  at  Channahon,  111. 

FKANKLIN  L.  Fox,  enlisted  from  Chicago,  January  1st,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment.  Was  promoted  Princi 
pal  Musician  July  1st,  1865,  vice  Mott,  mustered  out. 

Fox  is  living  at  203  Thirty-seventh  St.,  Chicago,  111.,  and  at  last 
reports  was  a  leading  candidate  for  postmaster  of  the  South  Division 
station.  He  has  a  nice  family,  one  of  whom,  a  grown  daughter,  inherits 
his  musical  taste  and  ability.  He  is  the  same  old  Fox  you  used  to  know, 
except  that  he  is  the  trifle  of  twenty-four  years  older  than  when  some  of 
you  last  met  him.  Yet  he  carries  his  years  gracefully. 


THE  KEGIMENTAL  BAND. 

The  Thirty-Ninth  during  its  period  of  service  was  per 
haps  fortunate  in  having  plenty  of  music  to  relieve  the 
monotony  of  the.  camp  and  the  tedium  of  the  march.  The 
original  band  that  left  Chicago  with  us  in  October,  1801, 
was,  by  order  of  the  War  Department,  mustered  out  of 
service  June  4th,  1802.  This  order  dispensed  with  all  regi 
mental  bands  that  had  been  enlisted  as  such.  Its  "  roster  " 
will  be  found  on  another  page. 

The  second  band  was  organized  by  Philip  M.  Lace, 
who  enlisted  and  was  placed  on  the  non-commissioned  staff 
as  Principal  Musician,  but  it  was  the  understanding  that  his 
pay  should  be  that  of  second-lieutenant,  which  was  made  up 
by  tax  on  the  sutler.  The  members  were  detailed  from  the 
various  companies  and  were  enlisted  soldiers.  This  band 
left  Chicago  with  us,  when  we  returned  to  the  front  from 


THE  REGIMENTAL  BAND.  387 

our  veteran  furlough  in  March,  1864.  The  instruments  for 
them  were  bought  with  money  subscribed  by  the  officers  of 
the  regiment  (six  hundred  dollars),  while  at  .  Arlington 
Heights,  Va.,  April,  1864.  This  band,  under  the  drill  and 
teaching  of  P.  M.  Lace,  became  in  a  short  time  most  excel 
lent  from  a  musical  standpoint,  and  attained  such  proficiency 
in  the  rendition  of  first-class  music  that  it  was  considered 
and  had  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  band  in  the  Army 
of  the  James.  During  a  battle  it  was  the  duty  of  the  mem 
bers  to  act  as  stretcher-bearers,  and  carry  the  wounded  from 
the  field.  This  duty  was  bravely  and  faithfully  performed, 
as  many  will  cheerfully  bear  testimony. 

The  band  comprised  many  good  fellows  whose  social 
attributes  were  fully  equal  to  their  musical  talent,  and  their 
services  were  always  in  demand.  They  often  performed  at 
the  Eichmond  and  Norfolk  theatres  and  on  many  social 
occasions.  I  cannot  do  better  perhaps,  in  order  to  give  the 
band  a  fair  representation  in  this  history,  than  to  make  place 
for  what  one  of  its  members  (E.  D.  Conley)  has  to  say. 

"The  band  was  an  institution  in  itself;  and  many  inci 
dents  might  be  told  of  its  experiences  in  'junkets,'  serenad 
ing  and  '  missionary  work '  in  the  '  wee  sma'  hours  '  on  many 
occasions.  More  than  once  have  officers  doffed  their  shoul 
der-straps  and  carried  a  brass  instrument  as  a  means  of 
gaining  entree  into  circles  otherwise  inaccessible  to  them. 
Some  of  its  members  were  accomplished  vocalists,  so  that 
song  and  chorus  often  diversified  an  evening's  entertainment. 

"  An  incident  occurring  just  after  '  making  a  night  of 
it'  in  serenading  some  time  in  1864  will  serve  to  show  the 
effect  of  camp  life  in  corrupting  the  morals  of  otherwise 
staid,  sober  characters  when  under  the  influence  of  the  home- 
circle  in  civil  life.  Bill  L —  and  Theodore  P — r  were  rival 
'tuba'  players.  The  former  became  quite  convivial  at  a 
certain  serenade,  and  as  they  were  returning  to  camp  at 
about  midnight,  the  writer  of  these  lines  mischievously 


388  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

took  up  a  handful  of  withered  weeds  and  rammed  them  into 
the  bell  of  Bill's  'tuba.'  He  only  discovered  the  obstacle 
after  a  vain  attempt  to  blow  through  his  instrument,  and 
then  flew  into  a  towering  passion.  Striking  a  dramatic  atti 
tude  he  said,  '  Gentlemen,  when  I'm  at  home  I'm  considered 
a  pretty  good  Methodist;  but  I'll  be  d — d  if  I  can't  whip  the 
man  who  put  those  weeds  in  my  horn,  even  if  he  is  "Theo" 
P— r.' 

"We  all  remember  how  little  Tim  Cannon  would  show 
his  belligerent  spirit  whenever  any  other  spirits  were  down ; 
also,  how  Colonel  Osborn  stood  McGregor  against  a  tree  as 
punishment  for  confiscating  a  pig  near  the  Hewlett  House, 
which  same  pig  subsequently  went  to  the  Colonel's  mess; 
and  how  Brown  captivated  Sam  Greenbaum's  best  girl  at 
Norfolk,  Ya.  It  can  also  be  mentioned  how  Ed.  Conley's 
speculation  in  dried-apple  pies  came  to  an  inglorious  termi 
nation  when  he  was  mobbed  and  capsized  in  a  neighboring 
camp  in  which  he  offered  his  wares  for  sale. 

"  On  a  little  trip  from  Norfolk  up  the  Elizabeth  river, 
the  band  boys  were  interested  in  seeing  a  Freedman's  school 
at  a  point  some  fifteen  miles  from  Norfolk.  Two  young 
white  ladies  and  about  fifty  negro  children  came  to  the  river 
bank  as  we  approached,  and  our  attention  was  called  by  the 
captain  of  the  boat  who  said,  '  Gentlemen,  this  is  the  confis 
cated  plantation  of  Governor  Wise  who  hanged  John  Brown ; 
and  those  ladies  are  Brown's  daughters  who  are  engaged  in 
teaching  a  Freedman's  school  here.'  So  much  for  the 
whirligig  of  Time  in  even  those  few  years. 

"The  members  of  the  band  have  seen  Jeff  Davis  on  the 
parapet  of  Fort  Monroe,  a  prisoner;  and  General  Lee  in  St. 
Paul's  church  at  Richmond.  They  played  at  the  unveiling 
of  the  Thomas  Wilder  monument  in  Baltimore,  and  later  in 
the  capitol  of  the  late  C.  S.  A.  at  Richmond  on  July  4th, 
1865. 

"  One  brief  incident  and  I  have  done.      On  a  dark,  driz- 


THE   REGIMENTAL   BAND.  339 

zling  night  at  the  Bermuda  Hundred  defenses  a  terrific 
artillery  duel  took  place.  The  band  was  huddled  together 
in  its  '  dug-out '  '  bomb  proof,'  which  was  without  any  sort 
of  cover,  when  a  rebel  missile  came  crashing  through  the 
pines,  struck  a  tree,  rolled  up  the  elevation,  and  having 
almost  spent  its  force,  fell  over  among  the  members  of  the 
band.  It  struck  Phil  Lace  upon  the  shoulder  and  then  fell 
on  Conley's  leg.  It  was  at  once,  while  yet  warm  from  the 
gun,  picked  up  and  thrown  from  the  bomb-proof.  Next 
morning  it  was  examined,  and  proved  to  be  a  spherical  case 
shot.  If  it  had  exploded  there  would  have  been  no  more 
music  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  from  us  "  in  all  probability. 

The  only  attempt  at  a  meeting  of  the  band  members 
since  the  disbandment  of  the  regiment  was  at  the  re-union 
held  at  Wilmington  in  1884.  There  were  present  then,  with 
their  instruments,  Comrades  McGregor,  now  a  druggist  at 
Pontiac ;  A.  J.  Wilson,  of  Jackson,  Mich. ;  Sam  Greenbaum, 
of  Fairbury;  Theo.  W.  Pitcher,  then  of  Marseilles;  W.  W. 
Hughes,  of  Chicago;  Sam  Hull,  of  Morris;  and  lastly,  Ed. 
Coiiley,  who  was  President  of  the  Association  for  that  year. 
They  played  the  Slumber  Polka  and  other  airs  familiar  to 
the  "vets"  on  that  February  night  with  an  almost  electrical 
effect.  As  to  the  last-named  comrade,  Conley,  it  may  be 
remarked  that  he  has  been  the  publisher  of  the  Wilmington 
Advocate  for  the  past  eighteen  years,  and  editor  of  the 
Joliet  Signal  since  December  1st,  1886.  Philip  Lace,  the 
band  leader,  and  Enoch  Hedge  died  long  since;  "Wall" 
Hughes  and  "Tim"  Cannon  are  also  dead;  and  Uncle  Mike 
Fuller,  now  in  his  eightieth  year,  is  an  invalid  in  Wilming 
ton  and  will  probably  see  few  more  re-unions  of  the  regi 
ment. 


390  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

ORIGINAL   BAND   OF   THE    THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS 
VOLUNTEERS. 

Leader  of  Band. 

PHILIP  M.  LACE.  Enlisted  September  22,  1861;  discharged  by  order 
of  the  War  Department  June  4,  1862. 

First  Class  Musicians. 

N.  B.  BOWMAN.     Enlisted  October  2,  1861;  discharged  June  4,  1862. 
B.  B.  HULL.     Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  June  4,  1862. 
WM.  C.  HAEEAH.   Enlisted  September  20, 1861;  discharged  June  4, 1862. 
WM.  HANNING.     Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  June  4, 1862. 

FBANK  R.  SUMMEES.     Enlisted  September  20, 1861;  discharged  June  4, 

1862. 
HENBY  F.  WILLIAMS.     Enlisted  September  20,  1861;    discharged  June 

4,  1862. 
SAMUEL  R.  WILLIAMS.     Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  June 

4,  1862. 

Second  Class  Musicians. 

CALVIN  HANNAH.  Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  June  4, 
1862.  Taken  prisoner  at  Strasburgh,  Va.,  May,  1862;  paroled,  and 
discharged  by  order  of  the  War  Department. 

ED.  H.  LANE.  Enlisted  October  2,  1861;  taken  prisoner  at  Strasburgh, 
Va.,  May,  1862.  Paroled,  and  disharged  by  order  of  the  War  De 
partment. 

T.  W.  PITCHES.  Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  June  4, 
1862,  by  order  of  the  War  Department. 

ANDEEW  THAEB.  Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  by  order 
of  the  War  Department,  June  4, 1862. 

D.  C.  MEAES.  Enlisted  October  8,  1861;  discharged  by  order  of  the 
War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

J.  C.  TOWNS.  Enlisted  September  20, 1861;  discharged  by  order  of  the 
War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

Third  Class  Musicians. 

JAMES  M.  JOHNSON.  Enlisted  September  20, 1861;  discharged  by  order 
of  the  War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

A.  A.  LADD.     Enlisted  September  20,  1861;  discharged  by  order  of  the 

War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

B.  W.  FISHEB.     Enlisted  October  8,  1861;    discharged  by  order  of   the 

War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

ALFOBD  SCHEEMEEHOBN.  Enlisted  August  17,  1861;  discharged  by 
order  of  the  War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 

C.  E.  SMITH.     Enlisted  October  5,1861;    discharged   by  order  of   the 

War  Department,  June  4,  1862. 


THE  REGIMENTAL   BAND. 

THE   BAND    OF    1864  AND  1865. 

*  PHILIP  M.  LACE,  Leader Eb  Cornet,  1st. 

ENOCH  C.  HEDGE Eb         "  2nd. 

JAMES  A.  WILSON Bb         "  1st. 

EDWABD  D.  CONLEY Bb         "  2nd. 

HENRY  T.  JONES Eb  Alto,  Solo  1st. 

CHARLES  A.  MCGBEGOB Eb     "  2nd. 

EDWARD  A.  SACKETT Eb     "  3rd. 

SAMUEL  F.  HULL Bb  Baritone  Solo. 

SAMUEL  GEEENBAUM Bb  Tenor,  1st. 

FRANK  L.  BUTTEBFIELD Bb       "  2nd. 

WILLIAM  H.  BROWN Bb       "  2nd. 

WILLIAM  C.  LACE Eb  Tuba,  1st. 

*  THEO.  W.  PITCHES Eb      "  2nd. 

JOHN  LEWIS Cymbals. 

*  JAMES  M.  JOHNSON « 

TIMOTHY  CANNON Small  Drum. 

WILLIAM  HUGHES Bass        " 

M.  H.  FULLEB »  " 

*  Members  of  original  band. 


CHAPTEK  XXIII. 


Company   A —How   Organized  — Roster   and  Biographies  — Summary   of 
Casualties,  Etc. 

SKETCH  or  COMPANY  A. 

rpHIS  company  was  enlisted  in  the  early  part  of  April, 
1861,  during  that  exciting  period  following  the  firing 
upon  Fort  Suniter,  and  within  three  days  many  more  men 
had  been  enrolled  than  could  be  taken  in  one  company,  so 
that  selection  was  made  in  securing  what  was  considered  the 
best  material  for  soldiers.  The  election  for  officers  resulted 
in  the  choice  of— 

SYLVESTER  W.  MUNN  FOE  CAPTAIN. 

JOSEPH  W.  RICHARDSON  FOR  FIRST  LIEUTENANT. 

LEROY  A.  BAKER  FOB  SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

The  full  muster-roll  of  one  hundred  and  three  men  was  im 
mediately  forwarded  to  Springfield,  111.,  for  registry  by  the 
Adjutant-General  of  the  State,  and  it  should,  by  reason  of 
precedence,  have  been  assigned  to  the  Twentieth  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  but  through  some  favoritism  a  second 
company,  raised  at  Joliet,  111.,  received  the  place.  The  majority 
of  the  men  who  had  enlisted  were  anxious  to  enter  into  active 
service,  and  the  company  was  practically  disbanded,  many 
enlisting  in  the  Twentieth  Illinois  and  other  organizations 
that  were  preparing  to  take  the  field.  A  sufficient  number, 
however,  remained  behind  to  form  the  nucleus  for  another 
company.  The  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Infantry  were  organ 
izing  in  Chicago  and  this  company  was  offered  a  place  as 
soon  as  the  War  Department  would  accept  the  regiment. 


392 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  A.— OFFICERS.  393 

After  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Kun  notice  was  received 
that  the  Thirty-Ninth  was  to  be  accepted,  and  measures  were 
at  once  taken  to  recruit;  and  August  5th,  1861,  Captain 
Munn  with  about  fifty  men  proceeded  to  Chicago,  and  upon 
presentation  of  the  muster-roll  to  Captain  Webb,  U.  S.  A.. 
they  were  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  and 
assigned  as  Company  A,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois. 

The  company  was  made  comfortable  in  quarters  in  the 
building  known  as  the  Kepublican  Wigwam  on  Market  street, 
and  remained  there  until  about  the  first  of  September,  when 
the  regimental  encampment  was  established  on  vacant 
grounds  on  Indiana  avenue,  near  Twenty-sixth  street. 

The  men  forming  this  company  were  principally  from 
the  vicinity  of  Wilmington,  111.,  and  mostly  farmers,  or 
farmers'  sons.  They  made  earnest  and  loyal  soldiers,  ever 
maintaining  a  good  state  of  order  and  discipline,  each  man 
contributing  his  due  share  in  making  the  record  of  the  Thir 
ty-Ninth  regiment  the  peer  of  any  that  the  State  sent  forth. 

The  company  took  part  in  every  battle  in  which  the 
regiment  was  engaged,  as  well  as  having  several  independent 
skirmishes  in  which  it  won  commendations  not  only  from  its 
immediate  commanders  but  from  general  officers. 

It  re-enlisted  as  veterans  in  January,  1864,  at  Hilton 
Head,  S.  C.,  for  three  years,  or  during  the  continuance  of 
the  war. 

EOSTER  OF  COMPANY  A. 
Captain  Sylvester  W.  Munn.  Commissioned  August  5th,  isei. 

Promoted  to   Major  December   1st,  1861,  vice  Orrin  L.  Mann,  pro 
moted. 

Captain  Leroy  A.  Baker.  Promoted  from  First  Lieutenant 
December  1st,  1861.  vice  S.  W.  Munn,  promoted.  Discharged  from 
the  service  by  reason  of  the  loss  of  a  leg,  August  5th,  1864. 

Captain  Baker  was  born  May  10th,  1835,  in  Cortland  county,  New 
York,  and  removed  to  Will  county,  Illinois,  in  the  year  1855.  He  assisted 
in  the  recruiting  of  Company  A,  and  took  much  interest  in  its  organiza 
tion  and  equipment.  At  Williamsport,  Md.,  he  was  taken  sick  with  typhoid 
fever,  and  when  the  regiment  was  removed  to  Hancock,  Md.,  he  was  trans- 


394  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

ported  to  that  point  by  canal-boat.  He  was  unable  to  take  any  part  in  the 
operations  at  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  in  resisting  the  rebel  advance  on  Jan 
uary  3d  and  4th.  He  had  command  of  the  provost-guards  of  General 
Shields'  division  for  some  time,  and  while  at  Luray,  Va.,  made  a  search  for 
articles  contraband  of  war  at  the  house  of  General  Jordan,  who  was  chief- 
of- staff  to  General  Beauregard,  and  took  possession  of  a  large  number  of 
hospital  tents,  together  with  some  barrels  of  sugar  and  syrup.  After  the 
battle  of  Port  Republic  he  took  possession  of  the  house  for  hospital  uses. 
He  was  "officer  of  the  day  "  and  in  charge  of  the  picket  line  at  the  time  of 
the  assault  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  July  10th,  1863.  At  the  battle  of 
Drury's  Bluff,  May  16th,  1864,  after  Major  S.  S.  Linton  had  been  wounded, 
and  the  senior  Captain,  Hiram  Phillips,  of  Company  I,  had  been  captured, 
he  was  called  upon  to  assume  the  command  and  retained  it  until  Lieuten 
ant-Colonel  Mann  relieved  him,  late  in  the  afternoon  of  that  day.  Again, 
on  May  20th,  after  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mann  had  been  wounded,  he  took 
command  of  the  regiment,  retaining  it  until  the  16th  day  of  August,  when 
he  received  a  wound  in  the  right  leg  which  so  shattered  the  bones  of  the 
member  as  to  require  amputation. 

Captain  Baker  was  a  capable  and  considerate  officer;  brave  and  con 
scientious  in  the  performance  of  whatever  duty  was  assigned  to  him,  and 
was  always  respected  by  his  command.  After  his  return  to  civil  life  he 
secured  the  appointment  of  postmaster  at  Wilmington,  111.,  filling  the 
position  most  acceptably.  After  his  retirement  from  public  life  the  Cap 
tain  engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business,  which  still  occupies 
his  attention  at  Wilmington. 

Captain  Horace  B.  Parker.  Enlisted  in  1861;  promoted  to  First 
Sergeant  December  1st,  1861;  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  Decem 
ber  7th,  1864;  and  to  Captain,  March  31st,  1865— this  being  the  date 
of  his  muster  to  that  rank,  although  he  had  performed  the  duties  of 
the  position  since  Captain  Baker's  wound. 
Captain  Parker  is  now  living  at  Albaton,  Iowa. 

First  Lieutenant  Joseph  W.  Richardson.    Gave  assistance 

in  raising  the  company,  and  received  his   commission   August  5th, 

1861. 

Lieutenant  Richardson  was  born  at  Morristown,  St.  Lawrence  county, 
N.  Y.,  July  12th,  1830.  He  commenced  life  by  teaching  school  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  and  followed  that  vocation  for  three  or  four  years,  when  he 
took  up  the  study  of  law  at  Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.  After  his  admission  to  the 
bar  he  removed  to  Wilmington,  111.,  and  associated  himself  with  S.  W. 
Munn  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  where  he  remained  until  Com 
pany  A  joined  the  Thirty-Ninth  at  Chicago.  October  26th,  1861,  while  at 
Williamsport,  Md.,  he  was  stricken  down  with  typhoid  fever,  and  died 
November  17th.  He  was  buried  at  Williamsport,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Potomac  river,  with  military  honors. 

First   Lieutenant   Leroy   A.   Baker.     Promoted  Captain  Decem 
ber  1st,  1861,  vice  Captain  Munn,  promoted. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  A.— OFFICERS.  395 

First  Lieutenant  Allen  B.  Johnson.    Promoted  December  1st, 

1861,  vice  Baker,  promoted. 

Nothing  is  known  of  Lieutenant  Johnson's  antecedents  except  that 
he  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  He  died  at  Newbern,  N.  C.,  September  10th, 
1864,  of  yellow  fever,  while  on  detached  service  as  ordnance  officer. 

First  Lieutenant   Horace   B.  Parker.    Promoted  to  Captain 

March  31st,  1865,  vice  Baker,  mustered  out. 

First   Lieutenant  John   E.  Herriott.    Promoted   March   3ist, 

1865,  vice  Parker,  promoted. 

Lieutenant  Herriott  proved  to  be  an  excellent  soldier,  and  was  a 
popular  officer.  On  leaving  the  service  he  returned  to  his  former  home 
and  resumed  the  occupation  of  farming.  He  attends  most  of  the  annual 
re-unions  of  the  regiment.  He  lives  near  Wilmington,  111. 

Second  Lieutenant  Leroy  A.   Baker.    Commissioned  August 

5th,  1861. 

Second  Lieutenant  Allen  B.  Johnson.    Promoted  March  17th, 

1861,  vice  Baker,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  Burrill.    Promoted  December  1st, 

1861,  vice  Johnson,  promoted.  Wounded  in  the  neck  while  in  camp 
at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  May  25th,  1864.  Mustered  out  at  expira 
tion  of  his  term  of  service,  October  26th,  1864. 

Lieutenant  Burrill  is  now  residing  at  Braidwood,  111.,  engaged  in  coal 
mining. 

First  Sergeant  Allen  B.  Johnson.  Enlisted  July,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Second  Lieutenant  November  17th,  1861. 

Sergeant  James  Burrill.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  August  5th, 
1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  December  1st,  1861. 

Sergeant  George  Krauskup.     Enlisted  from  Wilmington  August 
5th,  1861.     Discharged  February  5th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Sergeant  William  H.Johnson.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Re 
duced  to  the  ranks  March  1st,  1862.  Transferred  to  the  regular  army 
December  20th,  1862. 

Sergeant  Henry  G.  Smith.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Wounded 
October  9th,  1863,  by  a  fragment  of  shell  while  passing  up  the  beach 
on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  which  wound  required  the  amputation  of  his 
right  leg. 

Sergeant  Smith  at  the  time  of  being  wounded  was  in  charge  of  some 
thirty  men,  and  was  proceeding  to  Fort  Gregg  for  duty.  As  he  was  pass 
ing  Fort  Wagner  a  shell  from  a  rebel  battery  exploded  over  him,  wounding 
him  in  the  leg,  and  immediately  afterwards  another  one  exploded  very 
near  him,  throwing  him  some  ten  feet  and  badly  injuring  his  side.  He  has 
been  an  invalid  since  his  discharge  from  the  service,  and  confined  to  his 
house.  At  Hancock,  Md.,  in  January,  1862,  he  was  detailed  and  put  in 
command  of  thirty-five  men  as  guard  to  an  ammunition  train  belonging 
to  Second  Brigade,  Third  Division  of  Banks'  Army,  in  command  of  General 


396  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Williams.  At  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run  he  was  ordered  to  burn  his 
train,  but  succeeded  in  taking  it  through  to  Washington  all  right.  He  was 
at  the  battles  of  South  Mountain  and  Antietam,  and  rejoined  his  regiment 
in  October,  1862,  at  Suffolk,  Va.  He  is  living  at  Dawson,  Sangamon 
county,  111. 

Sergeant  Horace  B.  Parker.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  First  Lieutenant.  September  8th,  1864. 

Corporal  William  J.  Harris.  Enlisted  August  19th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  March  1st,  1862.  Killed  June  17th,  1864,  in  skirmish 
near  Chester  Station,  Va. 

Corporal  John  E.  Herriott.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Sergeant  March  1st,  1862.  Wounded  at  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C., 
in  the  face.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  March  31st,  1865,  vice  Par 
ker,  promoted. 

Corporal  William  J.  Russell.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  August  15th.  1862.  Is  living  at  Chicago,  111. 

Corporal  David  O.  Herrin.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Reduced 
to  ranks  January  1st,  1862.  Discharged  July  20th,  1862. 

Corporal    William    A.    Keepers.     Enlisted   August  5th,  1861. 

Veteran.     Wounded  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  and  promoted  to  Sergeant 
April  2d,  1865.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Corporal  William  R.Jones.  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  regular  army  November  17th,  1862. 

Corporal  Michael  Dorr.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Mustered  out 
at  expiration  of  term  of  service,  September  10th,  1864. 

Corporal  Thomas  Deline.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  near  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  June  2d,  1864.  Mustered  out 
under  General  Order  77,  WTar  Department,  August  16th,  1864. 


PRIVATES. 

Ahrens,  ClauS.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  at 
battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  May  20th,  1864. 

Atkins,  William  C.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Discharged  for 
disability  July  21st,  1862. 

Adams,  Samuel.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  for  dis 
ability  June  1st,  1862. 

Adams  served  as  nurse  in  regimental  hospital  for  some  time.     Is  liv 
ing  at  Minooka,  111. 

Ashtqn,  Daniel.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Taken 
prisoner  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  16th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  under  Order  77,  WTar  Department,  August  16th,  1865.  Lives  at 
Nickerson,  Kansas. 

Abrams,  Frank.  Enlisted  January  4th,  1864.  Taken  prisoner  May 
20th,  1864,  at  WTier  Bottom  church.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  A.— PRIVATES.  397 

Armstrong,  Patrick  C.  Enlisted  November  1st,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  in  1862.  Mustered  out  August  6th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Brooks,  L.  R.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Served  for  two 
years  as  brigade  postmaster.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Butterfield,  William.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  August  22d,  1863.  Killed  August  16th,  1864.  He  was 
one  of  the  color-guard. 

Brannackman.  B.  C.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Dropped  be 
fore  muster. 

Baxter,  William.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  in 
the  shoulder  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

Burden,  John.  Enlisted  August  17th,  1861.  Veteran.  Killed  Au 
gust  16th. 

Brown,  William  H.  R.  Enlisted  August  21st,  1861.  Wounded  in 
the  hand  and  finger  amputated  at  Wier  Bottom  church  June  2d, 
1864.  Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service,  August,  1864.  His 
present  address  is  Salida,  Colorado. 

Benton,  Silas.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Transferred  to  Com 
pany  E,  November  15th,  1861.  Is  dead. 

Bailey,  Patrick.  Enlisted  October  14th,  1861.  Transferred  to  regu 
lar  army  November  27th,  1862. 

Brown,  Henry.  Enlisted  December  26th,  1863.  Wounded  May  16th, 
1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  16th,  1865. 

In   the  Adjutant-General's   Report   the   name   is  given  as  Henry  H. 
Bowen.     The  writer  does  not  know  which  is  correct. 

Bracket,  Florence.  Enlisted  February  19th,  1864.  Taken  prisoner 
May  16th,  1864,  and  sent  to  Andersonville,  Georgia. 

Brown,   Kental.     Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.     Substitute. 

Clapp,  Fred  G.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Promoted  to  Quarter- 
Master  Sergeant  December  31st,  1861.  Mustered  out  at  expiration 
of  service. 

CrOOp,  George  W.  Enlisted  September  16th,  1861.  Discharged 
July  21st,  1862,  for  disability. 

CrOOp,  Jonas  F.  Enlisted  from  Gardner  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  August  1st,  1865. 

Carpenter,  Joseph  M.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged 
February  16th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Carpenter,  A.  F.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted 
Corporal  July  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living 
at  Wilmington,  111. 

Carter,  Joseph.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  of  wounds  re 
ceived  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  August  26th,  1863. 

Carter,  William  C.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  Novem 
ber  15th,  1862,  for  disability. 


398  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS: 

Cochran,     David     M.      Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.     Veteran.      Pro- 
irfoted  Corporal  May  15th,  1865.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Calhoun,  Wm.  W.     Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.     Died  at  regimental 
hospital  February  23d,  1862,  at  Patterson's  Creek,  Va. 

Collinge,   Alexander  J.     Enlisted  September  12th,  1861.     Veteran. 

Promoted  Sergeant  March  1st,  1862. 

Collinge  was  injured  in  a  collision  on  the  Pittsburgh,  Fort  Wayne 
and  Chicago  railroad  near  Crestline  in  April,  1864,  when  going  home  on  a 
furlough.  On  his  return  to  the  regiment  he  was  detached  for  duty  in  the 
ambulance  corps.  He  now  resides  at  Manchester,  Iowa,  and  is  practicing 
veterinary  surgery. 

Curtis,  Cyrus.     Enlisted  September  12th,  1861.    Veteran.    Discharged 

September  2d,  1865,  under  General  Order  396,  War  Department.     Is 

living  at  Channahon,  111. 
Conroy,   Francis.    Enlisted  October  1st,  1861.    Discharged  May  25th, 

1862,  for  disability. 
Coons,   Montreville.     Enlisted  February  20th,  1864.     Wounded  and 

taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Corrigan,  Hugh.     Enlisted  December  30th,  1863.    Wounded  May  16th, 
1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.     Died  of  wounds  June  3d,  1864. 

Cambellick,  William.     Enlisted  October  8th,  1864.     Wounded  April 
2d,  1865,  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Is  now  farming  near  Gettysburg,  Dakota. 

Cubberly,  Mills.      Enlisted  April  6th,  1865.      Mustered   out   Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Conley,   Edward   D.     Enlisted  January  5th,  1864.      Detailed  to  the 
regimental  band.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Conley  entered  the  service  from  the  town  of  Wesley,  111.  His  brother, 
John  Conley,  had  entered  the  service  previously  as  Second  Lieutenant  of 
Company  E.  After  the  muster-out  Conley  returned  to  Wilmington,  111., 
and  soon  started  in  the  newspaper  business,  editing  and  publishing  the 
Wilmington  Advocate,  and  made  it  very  popular.  Some  years  ago,  to 
gether  with  Mr.  Zarley,  he  established  the  Joliet  Signal.  He  is  a  vigorous 
and  entertaining  writer  and  is  always  "  on  deck  "  and  at  the  front.  Al 
though  doing  business  at  Joliet,  he  still  makes  his  residence  at  Wilming 
ton.  His  social  qualities  were  always  agreeable  and  made  him  popular 
with  his  comrades,  and  he  still  retains  them.  We  remember  his  old-time 
jollity  and  jokes,  and  they  sometimes  crop  out  even  now,  although  much 
sobered  down  since  he  joined  the  benedicts. 

Connell,  Charles    C.      Enlisted   February  28th,  1862.      Discharged 

June  21st,  1862,  for  disability. 

The  Adjutant-General's  report  has  his  name  Charles  O'Connell. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Dai  ley,  Daniel.     Enlisted  December  28th,  1863.     Wounded  May  20th, 
1864.     Died  at  Newbern,  N.  C.,  March  26th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  A— PRIVATES.  399 

Day,  Henry  M.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted 
to  Corporal  March  1st,  1862;  to  Sergeant  June  1st,  1865.  Wounded 
April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  while  planting  the 
colors  of  the  regiment  on  the  fort.  Discharged  for  disability  July 
3d,  1865. 

Day   was    rewarded   with   a  medal  of  honor  for  his  bravery,  by  the 
War  Department  at  Washington. 

DobSOn,  James.     Enlisted  December  23d,  1863.     Wounded  May  20th, 

1864,  and  suffered  the  loss  of   an  arm.      Discharged   November  3d 

1865,  for  disability. 

Douse,  Casper.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1864.  Mustered  out  May 
22d,  1865,  under  Order  No.  77,  War  Department. 

Dolan,  Timothy.  Enlisted  December  26th,  1863.  Wounded  May 
16th,  1864.  Transferred  to  the  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  Absent, 
wounded,  at  muster  out.  Is  living  at  Joliet,  111. 

Farable,  David  E.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  at  Newbern, 
N.  C.,  April  22d,  1862. 

Fitzpatrick,  Michael.  Enlisted  August  14th,  1861.  Transferred 
to  the  regular  army  November  26th,  1862. 

Fuller,  Myron  C.  Enlisted  June  5th,  1864,  and  was  detailed  to  the 
regimental  band.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  livina-  at 
Wilmington,  111. 

GOSS,  Andrew.  Enlisted  January  4th,  1864.  Died  at  Chicago,  August 
llth,  1864. 

Galherer,  John.  Enlisted  December  28th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
hand  October  13th,  1864.  Discharged  under  Order  96,  War  Depart 
ment. 

Glasson,  Peter.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regi 
ment  December  6th,  1865. 

Hartman,  William  H.  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Died  at  Cum 
berland,  Md.,  February  6th,  1862. 

Hicks,  William.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  February  5th, 
1862,  at  Cumberland,  Md. 

Holz,  Ernest.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  January  1st,  1865;  to  Sergeant  July  3d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Hedge,  Enoch  C.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Veteran.  Detached 
to  regimental  band.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hedge  took  a  gun  and  entered  the  ranks  at  the  battles  of  Drury's 
Bluff  and  Strawberry  Plains,  Va.,  and  did  excellent  service. 

Holter,  John.  Enlisted  August  17th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  March  1st,  1862.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864.  Promoted  Ser 
geant  April  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Houghton,  Herrick.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  April  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 
Is  living  at  Fairbury,  111. 


400  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Howell,  George.     Enlisted  August  19th,  1861.  .  Discharged  February 

5th,  1862,  for  disability. 
Hughes,  William   J.     Enlisted  February  24th,  1864.      Was  detailed 

to  the  regimental  band.    Died  at  Chicago, 1886,  of  consumption. 

After  leaving  the  service  in  1865,  Hughes  engaged  in  the  saloon 
business,  corner  of  State  and  Eighteenth  streets,  and  amassed  considerable 
wealth. 

HenningS,  John.  Enlisted  February  18th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
head  October  7th,  1864.  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.  Taken  prisoner 
and  paroled  April  9th,  1865,  at  Appomattox.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

Hopkins,  Joseph.  Enlisted  February  29th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Hurlbut,  AmOS.  Enlisted  December  29th,  1863.  Discharged  Feb 
ruary  16th,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department. 

Hines,  James  H.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  June 
3d,  1865. 

Higgins,  James  T.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Irish,  Frank.  Enlisted  February  19th,  1864.  Wounded  October  7th, 
1864,  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is 
living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

Johnson,  Ed.  J.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  March  19th, 
1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Kankakee,  111. 

Killfoyl,  James.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1861.  Deserted  March 
17th,  1864. 

Kyle,  Joseph.  Enlisted  October  8th,  1864.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Knowles,  Benjamin  F.     Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.   Discharged  for 
disability  July  22d,  1862. 
Knowles  was  injured  in  the  leg  at  Cumberland,  Md.,by  being  run  into 

by  a  coasting  sled.     Is  living  in  Chicago;  address  not  known. 

Lyons,  George.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  February  23d, 
1863,  at  St.  Helena  Island,  S.  C. 

Lawler,  Michael.  Enlisted  September  16th,  1861.  Discharged  July 
1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Lynch,  John.  Enlisted  October  31st,  1861.  Mustered  out  at  ex 
piration  of  service,  October  30th,  1864. 

Murphy,  Orrin.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1861.  Discharged  Sep 
tember  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Mott,  George.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  February  2d,  1862, 
at  Cumberland,  Md. 

McCullum,  Alexander.  Enlisted  September  14th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  to  Corporal  October  15th,  1865;  was  transferred  from  Com 
pany  E,  November  16th,  1861.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  A— PRIVATES.  4Q1 

McCarty,  Peter.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Died  June  12th,  1862, 
at  Alexandria,  Va. 

McCuIloch,  John.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Mustered  out  at 
expiration  of  service  September  10th,  1864. 

Martin,  James.  Enlisted  August  16th,  1861.  Veteran.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

McDonald,  James.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1861.  Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Maher,  John.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1861.  Died  January  16th, 
1862,  at  Cumberland,  Md. 

Me  Knight,  William.  Enlisted  October  22d,  1861.  Mustered  out 
October  22d,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

McKendrick,  Michael.  Enlisted  December  26th,  1863.  Wounded 
in  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near  Chester  Station,  Va.,  and  taken 
prisoner  June  16th,  1864. 

Malony,  James.  Enlisted  December  4th,  1863.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Blackberry,  111. 

Murray,  James.  Enlisted  January  16th,  1864.  Wounded  in  shoulder 
October  7th,  1864,  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

McGlasSOn,  Leonard.  Enlisted  April  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

McGraine,  Con.  Enlisted  April  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Mahone,  Michael.  Enlisted  April  4th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Nichols,  Ira.  Enlisted  August  21st,.  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  and 
taken  prisoner  May  20th,  1864,  and  escaped,  but  was  recaptured,  and 
died  in  prison  at  Florence,  S.  C. 

Nichols,  Benjamin.  Enlisted  December  24th,  1863.  Promoted  to 
Corporal  September  28th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 
Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

OsgOOd,  Thomas.  Enlisted  February  19th,  1864.  Wounded  Au 
gust  16th,  1864.  Died  in  hospital  September  28th,  1864. 

OsgOOd,  Jerry.  Enlisted  February  19th,  1864.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Ottenheimer,  Solomon.  Enlisted  October  1st,  1864.  Discharged 
June  21st,  1865,  under  Order  96,  War  Department. 

Pel  ton,  Alsen  D.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  at 
Strasburgh,  Va.,  May,  1862.  Discharged  December  1st,  1862. 

Proud,  Samuel  F.  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
in  the  arm  May  20th,  1864.  Killed  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Perkins,  James,  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Died  September  7th, 
1861,  at  Chicago,  111. 

Phillips,  James  P.  Enlisted  August  13th,  1861.  Discharged  June 
8th,  1863,  for  disability. 


THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Pemberton,  Henry.  Enlisted  January  1st,  1862.  Died  June  18th, 
1864,  in  general  hospital. 

Preston,  William.  Enlisted  March  8th,  1864.  Mustered  out  Jan 
uary  21st,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Rourk,  Hugh.  Enlisted  August  20th,  1861.  Veteran.  Killed  April 
2d,  1865,  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Randall,  Frank  R.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  Octo 
ber  28th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Reed,  William  H.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal 
March  1st,  1863.  Captured  by  the  enemy  June  2d,  1864.  Mustered 
out  August  15th,  1865. 

Ryan,  Thomas.  Enlisted  August  25th,  1863.  Acted  as  Orderly  on 
General  Osborn's  staff  during  the  spring  campaign  of  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

RodgerS,  Thomas.  Enlisted  December  24th,  1861.  Discharged  De 
cember  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Ruppenthal,  Henry.  Enlisted  January  1st,  1862.  Veteran. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864.  Arm  so  shattered  that  amputation  was 
necessary.  Died  in  general  hospital  June  18th,  1864. 

Rollins,   L.  P.     Enlisted  October  8th,  1864. 

Starkweather,  Henry.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Died  July  14th, 
1863,  on  Folly  Island,  S.  C. 

Stumph,  Michael.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  August 
4th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Scanlin,  John.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Wounded  at  Bermuda 
Hundred,  Va.  Mustered  out  November  20th,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
service.  , 

Stewart,  James.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  August  4th, 
1862,  for  disability. 

Smith,  Nicholas.  Enlisted  August  21st,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  *  Died  of  wounds  April 
4th,  1865. 

Sullivan,  Michael.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Discharged  May 
19th,  1862  for  disability. 

Sherman,  Martin.  Enlisted  September  12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Sovereign,  Milton.  Enlisted  September  14th,  1861,  as  musician. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Sovereign  is  now  living   at   York,  Nebraska,  and  holds  the  office  of 
clerk  of  the  county  court. 

Seybert,  Andrew.  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Veteran.  Taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in  Aiiderson- 
ville  prison  August  llth,  1864. 

Smith,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1864.  Deserted  Oc 
tober  26th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  A— PRIVATES.  403 

Taylor,  Galveston  A.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  to  Corporal  September  10th,  1864;  to  Sergeant  March  1st, 
1865;  to  Second  Lieutenant  October  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Tewkey,   Edward.     Enlisted  August  14th,  1861.     Mustered  out  Sep- 
.  tember  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Tracy,  Harvey.  Enlisted  August  19th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  May 
16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  sent  to  Andersonville  prison. 

Taylor,  Bufort.  Enlisted  December  25th,  1863.  Died  at  Richmond, 
Va.,  May  14th,  1865. 

Tower,   Frank    H.     Enlisted  February  29th,  1864. 

Tower  held  a  clerkship  during  his  term  of  service — first  as  company 
clerk;  then  clerk  in  Regimental  Adjutant's  office;  also  held  the  position  of 
chief  clerk  at  headquarters  of  the  First  Brigade,  and  subsequently  the  posi 
tion  of  chief  clerk  in  the  office  of  the  Assistant  Inspector  General  of  the 
Southeastern  Department  of  Virginia  at  Norfolk.  After  his  return  to  civil 
life  he  located  in  Chicago,  111.,  and  engaged  in  the  insurance  business. 
Subsequently  he  removed  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  still  pursuing  the  same  line 
of  business,  and  where  he  may  now  be  addressed. 

ThewlJS,  William.  Enlisted  February  19th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Vowalt,  Christian.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Walters,  Charles  L.  Enlisted  October  10th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner 
May  16th,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  at  Annapolis,  Md.,  March  26th, 
1865. 

Wiser,  Theodore  S.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Wounded  June 
2d,  1864.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
service. 

WatSOn,  John  M.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  May  16th, 
1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Spencer,  Iowa. 

Whitney,  Henry  P.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  and  suffered  the  ampu 
tation  of  his  right  arm. 

After  leaving  the  service  Whitney  served  as  Deputy  United  States 
Marshal  for  some  years.  Is  now  residing  at  Chicago. 

Weldon,  Jacob  M.  Enlisted  August  8th,  1861.  Veteran.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Watts,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Veteran.  Dropped 
from  the  rolls  as  deserter,  October  22d,  1865. 

WilCQX,  James  M.  Enlisted  August  19th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Discharged  June  30th,  1865,  for 
wounds. 

Wayne,  Winters.  Enlisted  March  llth,  1865.  Discharged  by  War 
Department  Order  96. 


404  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

WellS,  Pomeroy.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Discharged  May  25th, 
1862,  for  disability. 

WirtS,  George.  Enlisted  August  27th,  1861.  Mustered  out  Septem 
ber  10th.  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Willard,  C.  S.  Enlisted  September  17th,  1861.  Wounded  October  7th, 
1864,  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.,  and  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,a865. 
Discharged  August  17th,  1865,  for  disability. 

WilCOX,  William.  Enlisted  October  10th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Welch,  James.  Enlisted  October  14th,  1861.  Transferred  to  regular 
army  November  26th,  1862. 

Willard,  William.  Enlisted  December  26th,  1863.  Wounded  May 
16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of 
Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Is  living  at  Channahon,  111. 

Yates,  George.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Promoted  to  Corporal 
August  1st,  1862;  to  Sergeant  August  8th,  1864.  Wounded  at  Darby- 
town  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  October  13th,  1864. 

Yates  was  pierced  with  four  bullets  while  carrying  the  regimental 
colors  in  the  charge  made  upon  the  rebel  works  and  was  captured  and 
taken  to  Castle  Thunder,  Va.  He  was  paroled  October  13th,  1864,  and  sent 
to  Annapolis,  Md.,  where  he  died  from  his  wounds  October  26th,  1864. 
After  his  death  a  commission  was  received  for  him  as  Captain  United 
States  Colored  troops. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES.  405 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 6 

Died  of  wounds 10 

Died  in  prison 2 

Died  of  disease 14 

Lost  limbs 6 

Wounded 36 

Discharged  for  disability 30 

Transferred 7 

Deserted 11 

Taken  prisoner 12 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 21 

Enlisted  as  veterans 26 

Number  originally  enlisted 97 

Recruits 61' 

Returned  at  muster-out  of  regiment 57 

Known  to  be  living  (1889) 32 


NOTE. — It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  roster  and  history  of  the  enlisted  men  is  not 
more  perfect.  There  has  been  found  a  great  discrepancy  existing  between  the  roster 
prepared  by  the  Regimental  Adjutant  (which  has  been  principally  the  guide  for  the 
writer)  and  that  published  by  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  State.  If  it  could  have  been 
prepared  or  even  revised  by  a  Company  officer  it  would  have  been  more  satisfactory. 
The  name  or  record  of  a  man  might  as  well  be  omitted  entirely  as  to  have  it  misspelled 
and  misquoted.  These  remarks  apply  to  all  of  the  companies  except  K,  the  roster 
of  which  was  furnished  by  Sergeant  Slagle. 


CHAPTEK  XXIV. 


Company  B— How  and  Where  Organized — Roster  and  Biography — Sum 
mary  of  Casualties. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  B. 

n^HIS  company  was  organized  at  Bloomington,  111.,  on  the 
12th  day  of  August,  1861.  After  the  old  Eighth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  had  served  its  three  months  on 
the  banks  of  the  "Big  Muddy"  and  at  Cairo,  111.,  those  who 
did  not  wish  to  re-enlist  for  the  three  years'  service  re 
turned  to  their  homes  with  their  honorable  discharge  in 
pocket,  feeling  in  a  measure  unsettled  as  to  what  they  would 
do.  The  news  of  the  first  battle  at  Bull  Eun  spreading 
over  the  country  as  fast  as  electricity  could  carry  it — a 
battle  and  a  defeat, — so  excited  and  stirred  up  the  feelings 
of  the  boys  that  it  soon  decided  the  old  members  of  Com 
pany  K  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  who  had  seen  service  as  above 
mentioned,  to  re-enlist,  and  thus  they  became  the  nucleus 
of  Company  B,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers.  These  men 
were  George  T.  Heritage,  Al.  C.  Sweetser,  James  Gibson, 
D.  F.  Sellards,  L.  D.  Kidder,  Harvey  Bailey,  James  S. 
Haldeman,  Stephen  Johnson,  and  others  whose  names  we 
cannot  at  present  recall.  After  a  few  days  active  work  in 
recruiting  we  had  a  sufficient  number  on  the  rolls  to  call  a 
meeting,  which  was  held  at  No.  214  North  Front  street,  for 
the  purpose  of  electing  officers  and  perfecting  the  organiza 
tion.  At  this  meeting,  which  was  largely  attended  by  those 
who  had  enlisted,  the  following  officers  were  chosen: 

FOB  CAPTAIN,  ISAIAH  W.  WILMARTH. 
FIBST  LIEUTENANT,  DAVID  F.  SELLARDS. 
SECOND  LIEUTENANT,  JAMES  S.  HALDEMAN. 

406 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  B.  407 

The  company  proceeded  to  Chicago,  where  it  was  assigned 
to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers  as  Com 
pany  B,  having  at  that  time  thirty-four  enlisted  men. 
While  at  Chicago  thirty-six  more  recruits  joined  it  be 
fore  muster  into  the  United  States  service  October  llth, 
1861. 

Company  B  participated  in  all  the  movements  and  bat 
tles  the  regiment  was  engaged  in,  and  won  for  itself  an 
enviable  reputation  for  soldierly  conduct.  At  the  battle  of 
Drury's  Bluff  on  the  16th  day  of  May,  1864,  when  the 
troops  on  the  right  of  the  line  had  been  driven  back,  and 
the  men  on  the  right  of  our  own  regiment  were  giving  way 
file  by  file,  stubbornly  contesting  every  inch  of  the  ground, 
and  as  the  men  of  Company  B  were  dropping  back  until 
Alexander  Paul  was  reached,  Sergeant  Joseph  Hallett  said 
to  him,  "'Aleck,'  there  is  no  orders  to  retreat;  hold  your 
ground!"  and  then  drawing  his  revolver  and  covering  the 
"color  bearer"  commanded  him  to  return  with  the  colors, 
and  at  the  same  time  called  upon  the  regiment  to  rally— 
which  it  did  in  grand  style;  and  while  the  right  of  the  line 
was  making  rapid  strides  to  the  rear,  the  Thirty-Ninth  alone 
was  advancing  on  the  enemy  and  keeping  his  left  in  a  spirit 
ed  engagement,  so  much  so,  that  General  Alfred  H.  Terry 
was  heard  to  say,  "In  the  name  of  God!  what  troops  are 
engaged  on  our  left?  " 

On  the  20th  of  May,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  it 
did  noble  service,  losing  several  men  in  killed  and  wounded. 
At  this  battle  Lieutenant  Al.  C.  Sweetser  acted  as  Adjutant 
to  the  regiment.  On  the  2d  day  of  June,  1864,  while  it  was 
on  duty  at  the  front  near  "Wier  Bottom  church,  Lieutenant 
Sweetser  was  wounded  through  both  legs.  It  took  an  active 
part  in  the  battle  of  Darby  town  Cross-Eoads,  Va.,  losing 
heavily  in  killed  and  wounded.  Captain  Heritage  was  se 
verely  wounded  in  this  action  and  to  his  credit  be  it 
said,  he  entered  into  the  engagement  after  his  term  of  ser- 


408  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

vice  had  expired,  and  his  order  for  "muster  out"  was  at 
brigade  headquarters. 

At  the  time  the  regiment  was  preparing  to  assault  the 
rebel  works,  Companies  B  and  G  formed  the  fifth  division  of 
the  regiment  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Harrington  of 
Company  G.  The  Lieutenant's  term  of  service  had  expired, 
and  not  feeling  willing  to  undergo  the  risk  of  his  life,  he 
turned  his  command  over  to  Sergeant  Joseph  Hallett  of 
Company  B,  remarking,  as  he  did  so,  "I  am  a  citizen,  and 
by  G — d  it  is  getting  too  close  for  me,  and  I  shall  go  where 
there  is  more  room!"  He  did  not  stand  long  on  the  order 
of  his  going  either,  but  went  at  once.  Some  may  think  that 
Lieutenant  Harrington  showed  the  "white  feather,"  but  we 
that  knew  him  could  vouch  to  the  contrary,  and  we  felt  that 
under  the  circumstances  he  was  fully  justified  in  taking  the 
course  he  did.  The  company  followed  the  fortunes  of  the 
regiment  through  to  its  final  "muster  out"  at  the  close  of 
the  war,  and  ever  maintained  a  high  order  of  discipline, 
especially  after  Captain  Heritage  was  called  to  the  command. 
It  was  always  ready  and  willing  for  duty,  and  in  its  perform 
ance  evinced  those  sterling  qualities  that  gave  it  the  name 
of  the  "OldEeliable." 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  B. 
Captain  Isaiah  W.  Wilmarth.    Commissioned  August  12th,  1861. 

Resigned  May  26th.  1862. 

Captain   David   F.    Sel lards.     Resigned  on  account  of  ill  health 
August  31st,  1862. 

After  leaving  the  service  Captain  Sellards  moved  into  the  State  of 
Iowa,  locating  near  Mt.  Ayr,  where  he  commenced  the  study  of  medicine, 
and  graduated  as  a  physician  in  1867,  and  commenced  practice.  He  pur 
sued  this  business  until  1877,  when  he  died  from  disease  of  the  lungs, 
leaving  a  widow  and  a  large  family  of  children.  During  the  last  years  of 
his  life  he  led  a  miserable  existence — that  of  a  chronic  dyspeptic,  com 
plicated  with  tuberculosis  of  the  lungs,  and  subsisted  chiefly  upon  stim 
ulants. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  B— OFFICERS.  409 

Captain  George  T.  Heritage.  Wounded  in  the  shoulder  and  back 
October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out 
December  7th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

George  T.  Heritage  was  the  only  son  of  Thomas  and  Susan  Heritage. 
He  was  born  in  Deddington,  Oxfordshire,  England,  on  the  26th  day  of 
September,  1834.  His  mother  died  when  he  was  quite  young,  and  his  father 
emigrated  to  Canada  and  settled  at  New  Hope.  At  the  age  of  sixteen 
George  went  to  Brantford,  Ontario,  to  learn  a  trade,  and  was  apprenticed 
to  carriage-making  for  three  years.  In  1856  he  went  to  Chicago,  111.,  but 
not  realizing  his  expectations  he  removed  to  Bloomington,  111.,  where  he 
was  employed  by  John  F.  Walton  until  July,  1857,  when  he  returned  to 
Canada;  but  again  feeling  dissatisfied  with  his  prospects  he  returned  to  the 
States,  locating  again  at  Bloomington,  and  was  employed  by  the  same 
man,  working  until  the  "  Pike's  Peak  "  excitement  of  1859,  when  he  deter 
mined  to  go  West  and  try  his  fortune.  The  venture  was  disappointing, 
and  his  finances  not  permitting  his  return  home,  he  secured  the  situation 
of  "  bull-whacker,"  and  drove  an  ox-team  through  to  Salt  Lake,  Utah, — a 
very  perilous  undertaking  at  that  time.  From  Salt  Lake  he  returned  to 
Bloomington  and  his  trade,  remaining  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war, 
when  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Captain  Harvey's  company,  for  the  three 
months'  service.  This  company  went  to  Springfield,  111.,  and  was  placed 
in  the  Eighth  Illinois  Infantry,  commanded  by  Richard  J.  Oglesby,  after 
ward  Governor  of  the  State.  After  serving  his  term  he  returned  to  Bloom 
ington  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  organization  of  a  company  for  the 
three  years'  service.  This  company  was  afterwards  known  as  Company  B, 
Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Infantry  (Yates  Phalanx).  He  was  elected  Orderly 
Sergeant,  which  position  he  filled  until  May  26th,  1862,  when  he  was  pro 
moted  to  First  Lieutenant,  and  in  August,  1862,  he  was  elevated  to  the 
Captaincy.  When  the  regiment  came  home  on  its  veteran  furlough,  the 
Captain  obtained  a  passport  from  Secretary  Stanton  and  went  to  Canada, 
where  he  was  married  to  Miss  Christina  McAllister,  February  23d,  1864.  He 
returned  with  his  bride  to  Bloomington,  111.,  remaining  until  the  regiment 
was  ordered  to  the  front,  when  he  rejoined  it  at  Chicago. 

In  August,  1864,  he  was  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  shell  while  on  duty 
at  the  front,  and  was  sent  to  hospital,  where  he  received  "leave  of  ab 
sence  "  for  twenty  days.  After  his  return  he  was  called  upon,  by  reason  of 
seniority  of  rank,  to  take  command  of  the  regiment,  which  he  retained 
until  wounded  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  October  13th,  1864,  being 
shot  through  the  left  shoulder,  the  ball  penetrating  through  to  the  other 
shoulder.  He  was  carried  back  to  Surgeon  Clark,  who  cut  out  the  ball  and 
dressed  the  wounds,  sending  him  to  the  general  hospital  at  Fort  Monroe, 
Va.  He  remained  in  hospital  for  nine  weeks,  when  he  returned  to  the 
regiment,  but  feeling  unable  to  further  endure  the  trials  of  an  active  cam 
paign  he  was  "mustered  out"  of  the  service,  returning  to  Bloomington, 
111.,  where,  when  able,  he  resumed  work  at  his  trade  with  his  old  employer. 


410  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

In  May,  1888,  he  resigned  his  position  as  foreman  in  Walton's  establish 
ment  and  associated  himself  with  Mr.  Flinspach  in  business  under  the  firm 
name  of  Flinspach  &  Heritage.  The  Captain  has  an  interesting  family  of 
four  children,  all  of  whom  are  living. 

Captain  John  F.  Alsup.  Promoted  and  commissioned,  but  could 
not  muster  on  it  for  the  reason  that  there  was  not  a  sufficient  num 
ber  of  men  in  the  company.  Discharged  September  24th,  1865,  as 
Sergeant. 

Captain  Charles  D.  Platt.  Commissioned  vice  Alsup,  discharged, 
but  could  not  muster.  Mustered  out  October  6th,  1865,  as  First 
Lieutenant. 

Nothing  is  known  concerning  Platt's  early  history,  or  if  living  or  not. 

First  Lieutenant  D.  F.  Sellards.  Promoted  Captain  May  26th, 
1862,  vice  Wilmarth,  resigned.  (See  Adjutant.) 

First  Lieutenant  George    T.   Heritage.    Promoted  Captain 

August  30th,  1862,  vice  Sellards,  resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  Lesmore   D.  Kidder.    Wounded  May  16th, 

1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.     Mustered  out  February  9th, 

1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Lieutenant  Kidder  had  command  of  the  ambulance  train  at  the 
battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  and  was  wounded  in  the  leg  while  busy  getting  the 
wounded  off  the  field,  and  came  very  near  being  taken  prisoner;  but  being 
mounted  on  a  good  horse  he  managed  to  elude  his  would-be  captors,  and 
escaped  with  a  badly  fractured  and  shattered  limb.  Nothing  further  is 
known  concerning  the  Lieutenant  since  he  left  the  service. 

First  Lieutenant  Charles  D.  Platt.  Promoted  October  26th, 
1865,  to  Captain. 

First    Lieutenant   Al.  C.  Sweetser.     Wounded  June  2d,  1864, 

near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  through  both  legs,  one  of  them 
being  so  badly  shattered  as  to  require  amputation  at  the  lower  third 
of  the  thigh.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Lieutenant  Sweetser  was  born  in  Oxford  county,  Maine,  February 
23d,  1839.  While  in  his  infancy,  his  parents  moved  to  the  State  of  Missis 
sippi,  remaining  there  for  some  years,  then  returned  to  Maine  and  located 
at  Portland.  After  five  years  they  removed  to  Columbia  county,  Wisconsin, 
and  made  a  trial  at  farming  for  the  period  of  four  years;  then  they 
removed  to  Bloomington,  111.,  which  has  since  been  the  home  of  the  Lieu 
tenant. 

The  excitement  attending  the  discovery  of  gold  at  "Pike's  Peak  "  in 
1858-59  had  no  sooner  commenced  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch  made 
one  of  a  party  to  dare  and  brave  the  hardships  of  an  overland  trip  to  the 
"  auriferous  region."  After  reaching  this  "  El  Dorado "  and  spending 
some  time  in  explorations,  he  began  to  realize,  with  thousands  of  others, 
that  the  fabulous  wealth  of  the  gold-bearing  region  had  been  slightly  over 
estimated,  and  he  turned  his  steps  homeward  and  began  his  search  for 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  B— OFFICERS.  41 1 

wealth  in  the  more  ordinary  and  safe  method  pursued  by  the  generality  of 
people.  He  turned  his  attention  to  the  milling  business  at  Bloomington, 
and  was  thus  engaged  when  the  "  War  of  the  Rebellion  "  broke  out.  Pos 
sessing  an  adventurous  and  chivalric  spirit  he  at  once  enrolled  his  name  as 
a  member  of  Captain  Harvey's  (K)  Company,  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volun 
teer  Infantry  under  Colonel  "  Dick  "  Oglesby,  for  the  three  months'  service. 
After  "  muster-out "  he  returned  to  his  home,  and  took  an  active  part  in 
recruiting  a  company  for  the  three  years'  service.  This  company  was 
assigned  as  Company  B,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers. 

The  Lieutenant  was  a  brave  and  enthusiastic  soldier,  and  soon 
became  popular  and  prominent  in  his  company  and  regiment,  and 
received  in  due  course  of  time  his  well-merited  promotions.  His  career  of 
usefulness  as  a  soldier  ended,  however,  on  the  2d  day  of  June,  1864,  when 
he  received  his  wound.  He  was  a  great  sufferer  in  hospital  for  many  long 
months — his  wound  having  contracted  hospital  gangrene,  and  his  life  came 
very  near  being  finished  at  Chesapeake  hospital,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

On  his  return  to  Bloomington  after  the  war  he  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  city  and  town  collector,  and  subsequently  he  received  the  appoint 
ment  of  Deputy '  D.  S.  Collector  of  Internal  Revenue,  and  held  it  until  the 
administration  of  President  Cleveland  came  in,  when  his  services  were  no 
longer  required. 

Lieutenant  Sweetser  has  been  very  prominent  and  active  in  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  and  in  1887  was  elected  Commander  of  the 
Department  of  Illinois,  giving  general  and  praiseworthy  satisfaction.  He 
is  the  treasurer  of  the  Veteran  Association  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois 
Volunteers,  having  held  the  position  since  its  organization.  He  is  still  a 
resident  of  the  city  of  Bloomington,  111. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  S.  Haldeman.  Commissioned 
August  12th,  1861.  Resigned  May  26th,  1862.  He  is  living  at  Kansas 
City,  Mo. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  Gibson.    Resigned  September  21st, 

1862.     He  is  living  at  Bloomington,  111. 

Second  Lieutenant  Al.  C.  Sweetser.  Promoted  First  Lieu 
tenant  December  6th,  1865. 

First  Sergeant  George  T.  Heritage.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington, 

111.,  August  12th,  1861.     Promoted  First  Lieutenant  May  26th,  1862. 

Sergeant  AI.  C.  Sweetser.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  111.,  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  October  llth,  1861. 

Sergeant  James  Gibson.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  111.,  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  May  26th,  1862. 

Sergeant  L.  D.  Kidder.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  111.,  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  December  24th,  1862. 

Sergeant  James  ML  Alsup.  Enlisted  at  Le  Roy,  111.,  August  12th, 
1861.  Taken  prisoner  at  Blackwater,  Va.,  October  24th,  1862;  paroled 
and  exchanged.  Deserted  in  January,  1863. 


412  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant  John  T.  Turill.     Enlisted  from  Decatur,  111. 

Sergeant  Joseph  Hallett.  Veteran.  Promoted  to  First  Sergeant 
September  24th,  1865.  Wounded  in  the  thigh,  May  16th,  1864,  at 
Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th, 
1865. 

.  Joseph  Hallett  was  born  in  West  Chennock,  Somersetshire,  England, 
May  9th,  1843.  His  parents  came  to  America  in  1852,  and  located  in  Ham 
ilton  county,  Ohio,  where  they  remained  until  1857,  when  they  removed  to 
Bloomington,  111.  In  the  spring  of  1860  the  subject  of  this  sketch  com 
menced  his  apprentice  work  at  marble-cutting,  and  was  so  engaged  at  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war.  He  was  among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call  for 
volunteers,  and  enlisted  for  the  three  months'  service  in  Company  K, 
Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers,  and  went  with  the  company  to  Springfield, 
remaining  there  until  the  mustering-officer  made  his  selection  from  the 
quota  allowed  each  company.  He  being  small  of  stature  (five  feet  two 
inches),  was  "cut  off  on  the  left,"  and  advised  to  return  home  to  his  mother. 
He  returned  to  his  work  again  at  Bloomington,  but  after  the  great  disaster 
at  the  first  Bull  Run  battle  he  again  enlisted  in  Company  B,  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois  Volunteers,  and  held  his  own  admirably  until  March,  1864,  when  he 
was  detailed  as  bugler  for  Company  B.  This  position  he  occupied  until 
August,  1864,  at  a  time  when  Captain  Heritage  was  called  to  the  command 
of  the  regiment;  then  he  was  promoted  to  the  highest  vacant  position  and 
was  made  Sergeant,  and  placed  in  command  of  the  company,  holding  the 
command  until  after  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865,  when 
he  turned  the  command  over  to  Lieutenant  Platt.  He  was  mustered  out 
with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865.  He  is  now  living  at  Bloomington, 
111.,  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine. 

Corporal   Archibald  L.  Carman.    Enlisted  from  Bloomington, 

August  12th,  1861.    Promoted  Sergeant  May  26th,  1862.    Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Corporal  George  W.  StephenSOn.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington, 
August  12th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  January  1st,  1863.  Reduced 
to  the  ranks  August  7th,  1863.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at 
expiration  of  service. 

Corporal  Henry  Anderson.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  111.,  Au 
gust  12th,  1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864.  at  expiration 
of  service. 

Anderson  was  detailed  to  the  position  of  wagon-master  for  a  long 
period  of  time  and  did  most  excellent  service.  He  is  now  living  at  Xenia, 
Ohio. 

Corporal  Elliott  B.  Hill.  Enlisted  from  Wapella,  111.,  August  12th, 
1861.  Discharged  August  5th,  1862,  for  physical  disability. 

Corporal  John  T.  Turill.  Enlisted  from  Decatur  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  January  1st,  1863.  Died  July  14th,  1864, 
from  disease. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  B— PRIVATES.  413 

Corporal  Stephen  Johnson.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111., 
August  12th,  1861.  Discharged  July  22d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Corporal  Harvey  Bailey.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  August  12th, 
1861.  Wounded  in  the  leg  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va.  Died  June  10th,  1864,  in  hospital,  from  wounds. 

Corporal  Darwin  M.  Sparrow.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington  August 
12th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks,  October  19th,  1861.  Discharged 
February  25th,  1863,  for  disability . 


PKIVATES. 

Alsup,  John  F.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  August  12th,  1861.  Promoted 
Sergeant  May  26th,  1862;  to  First  Sergeant  January  1st,  1863. 
Abounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.;  also  May  22d, 

1864,  in  a  skirmish;  and  again  wounded  April  2d,  1865.  at  the  assault 
on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.     Promoted  Captain  April   llth,  1865,  but  could 
not  muster.     Discharged,  for  disability  from  wounds,  September  23d, 
1865. 

Alsup,  Robert  D.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  February  26th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Anderson,  James  S.  Enlisted  December  15th,  1864.  Deserted 
August  2d,  1865. 

Anderson,  James.     Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.     Discharged  May  25th, 

1865,  for  disability. 

Adams,  John  Q.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Deserted  September 
2d,  1865. 

Barton,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  12th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Beckwith,  Walter  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  to  Corporal  October  31st,  1863.  Reduced  to  the 
ranks  May  1st,  1865.  Veteran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Ball,  John  T.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  15th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  October  26th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Burke,  Gerhard.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  12th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Burke,  George.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Killed  September  llth,  1863,  at  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C. 

Blevins,  Sanford  H.     Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  25th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  25th,  1862,  for  disability. 
Blevins  died  some  years  ago.     His  widow  lives  at  Sebree,  Kentucky. 

Butler,  Harrison.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  30th,  1861. 
Severely  wounded  June  16th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near 
Chester  Station,  Va.  Left  on  the  field  and  supposed  to  have  been 
taken  prisoner.  Veteran. 

Bender,  Charles.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  111.,  August  30th,  1861. 
Discharged  June  16th,  1862,  for  disability.  Died  in  1888. 


414  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Blanchard,  John.  Enlisted  at  Bloomingtoii,  August  27th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Bowers,  John.  Enlisted  at  Bloomington,  August  27th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and  exchanged. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered 
out  October  13th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Berry,  Joseph  Enlisted  at  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Wounded 
August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Leg  amputated.  Died 
September  4th,  1864,  in  hospital,  from  wounds. 

Bailey,  Robert.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  15th,  1861.  De 
serted  February  28th,  1864. 

Bowen,  Marion  D.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  21st,  1864. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Died  April 
2d,  1865,  from  wounds. 

Beck  with,  Lester  S.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  22d, 
1864.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  also  May  20th, 
at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Was  on  furlough  at  muster-out  of  regi 
ment. 

Bierbower,  Jonathan.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  6th, 
1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865.  He  is  living 
at  Arrowsmith,  111. 

Burns,  Daniel.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Brown,  Lewis.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Clark,  John  W.  A.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  25th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Bloomington, 

CrOSSley,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  October  26th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Covey,  Edmund.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  June  16th,  1864,  at  Chester  Station,  Va.;  also 
October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out 
with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Welch,  Mo. 

Covey,  James  R.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  September  19th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  31st,  1863;  to  Sergeant  August 
27th,  1864.  Wounded  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  September  14th,  1863. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  LeRoy,  111. 

Cook,  Levi.  Enlisted  from  Jacksonville  August  28th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  June  24th,  1862. 
Died  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  October  27th,  1862. 

Cullar,  Benjamin.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and  ex 
changed.  Discharged  June  17th,  1862. 

Call,  Carlton.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Carl,  Oliver  C.~Emisted  August  12th,  1861.  Deserted  January  26th, 
1862. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  B— PRIVATES.  415 

Clark,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Taken  prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and 
exchanged  September  14th,  1862.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Cranston,  Joseph  H.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  19th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  30th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  the 
National  Soldiers'  Home,  Dayton,  Qhio. 

Cook,  Methusaleh.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  August  12th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Crandall,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  November  20th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  November  20th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Conklin,  Lafayette.  Enlisted  February  6th,  1864.  Died  August 
9th,  1865,  at  City  Point,  Va. 

Cavett,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  6th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  July  6th,  1865,  under  Order  War  Department. 

Cain,  Christopher  D.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  24th, 
1864.  Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Died 
September  10th,  1865. 

Campbell,  William  E.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  22d, 
1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Cole,  William.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Dake,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Davis,  Barnet  H.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  August  17th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and  exchanged. 
Discharged  April  llth,  1863. 

Downey,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at 
Lockport,  111. 

Dailey,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  23d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  December  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Doud,  LeRoy.  Enlisted  from  Bloorqington  September  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  August  19th, 
1864.  (See  Field  and  Staff.) 

Dillon,  Orange  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Duff,  Robert.  Enlisted  March  2d,  1864.  Wounded  June  16th,  1864, 
and  died  of  wounds. 

Dillon,  Asbury  P.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  28th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Dyer,  Henry  E.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Egidy,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  23d,  1861. 
Discharged  July  22d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Elliott,  John.     Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.     Mustered  out  December  6th, 

1865. 


416  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Fordyce,  John  K.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Wounded  September  12th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Leg  ampu 
tated.  Discharged  June  20th,  1864,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

FagOt,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Peoria  September  21st,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  the  regular  service  November  28th,  1862. 

FagOt,  Matthias.  Enlisted  from  Peoria,  September  21st,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and  exchanged. 
Discharged  June  18th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Foot,  Jerome.  Enlisted  from  Concord  February  24th,  1864.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  September  14th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Fisher,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Enfield  February  llth,  1864.  Wounded 
in  the  face  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Discharged  Febru 
ary  28th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Frankberger,  Lee  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  20th, 
1864.  Promoted  Corporal.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Franks,  Jacob  C.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  23d,  1864. 
Drowned  May  20th,  1864,  while  bathing  in  the  James  river. 

Fallen,  Michael.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  October  3d,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  October  9th,  1865. 

GibbS,  Elias.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal,  August  28th,  1864.  Wounded  August  16th,  1864, 
and  October  7th,  1864.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  24th,  1865. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Climax,  Mo. 

Groves,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  30th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

Graves,  James  H.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  20th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Gillen,  James  R.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  October  19th,  1861.  Dropped  from  the  roll  at 
expiration  of  service. 

Gordon,    Henry.     Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  5th,   1861. 
-<f       Discharged  September  14th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Green,  Martin.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  March  1st,  1864.  De 
serted  May  15th,  1864. 

Goldsmith,  Nicholas.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  29th, 
1864.  Wounded  in  the  face  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va.  Discharged  October  6th,  1864,  for  disability. 

GibbS,  Jeremiah.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

GO  Ugh,  William.  Enlisted  from  Zion  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hartry,  Edmund.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1863.  Wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in 
prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  June  24th,  1864. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  B— PRIVATES.  417 

Hummell,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  1st,  1864.  Reduced  to  ranks 
April  30th,  1865.  Wounded  in  the  hand  August  14th,  1864,  near  Peters 
burg,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  September  24th,  1865. 

Hallett,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  27th,  1864;  to  First  Sergeant 
September  24th,  1865.  (See  Sergeant.) 

Hallett,  William  D.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Mustered  out  October  13th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Bloomington,  111. 

Hoisington,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Died  December  4th,  1861,  from  disease. 

Harvey,   Levi.     Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861.     Mustered 

out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Harvey  is  living  at  Bloomington,  111.,  his  occupation  being  that  of  a 
locomotive  engineer. 

Hayes,  James  H.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865.  Was 
injured  in  the  back  by  the  falling  timbers  of  a  bomb-proof  in  front 
of  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.,  in  1863.  Is  living  at  Saybrook,  111. 

Haspel,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  22d,  1864,  for  disability. 

Harty,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
WTounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered  out  October 
19th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

HotchkJSS,  Charles  B.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  26th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Covel,  111. 

Hutch inson,  William.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Hafer,  John  R.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  1st,  1864.  Killed  October  13th, 
1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Henner,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  August  27th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Howard,  Robert.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Deserted  October  28th,  1861. 

Haines,  C.  L.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  June  28th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Hammock,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  13th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hartry,  Alfred.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  20th,  1864. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out 
July  7th,  1865,  as  prisoner  of  war. 

Hafer,  John  R.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  26th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  face  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads. 
Discharged  December  25th,  1862,  for  disability. 

27 


418  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Hilman,  Henry  B.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Henschod,  Theodore.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Discharged 
July  19th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Hammond,  Morris.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Absent  sick  at  mus 
ter-out  of  regiment. 

Johnson,  James  M.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  19th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Missing  in  action  May  16th,  1864;  supposed  pris 
oner.  Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  LeRoy,  111. 

Johnson,  Joh a.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  22d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  28th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Johnson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Died  October  26th,  1864. 

Johnson,  Isaac  R.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  19th, 
1861.  Discharged  August  12th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Sol 
dier  City,  Kansas. 

Johnson,  Alfred.  Enlisted  from  Empire  June  25th,  1862.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Johnson,  Franklin.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  June  5th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Johnson,  John  P.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1865.  Deserted  June  4th, 
1865. 

Kark,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  5th,  1861. 
Discharged  March  3d,  1863,  for  disability. 

Kennedy,  Dennis.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  25th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1863.  Killed  August  14th, 
1864,  in  skirmish  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Kelly,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  6th,  1864.  Trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Lane,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Lane    is  living  at  Hillsboro,  Texas,  where  he  has  been  for   the  last 
seventeen  years. 

Lei bO,  Arthur  B.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  foot  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier 
Bottom  church,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1864,  in  the 
"color-guard." 

Lewis,  Hermann  F.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  25th, 
1861.  Discharged  February  10th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Lemon,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  24th, 
1864.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Lafferty,  William  S.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  24th, 
1864.  On  furlough  at  muster-out  of  regiment. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  B— PRIVATES.  419 

Lynch,  John.  Enlisted  March  2d,  1865.  Died  March  30th,  1865,  at 
Point  of  Rocks  hospital. 

Merrif  ield,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

MarrigOld,  Charles  L.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  3d,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  July  1st,  1865.  Reduced  November, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment,  December  6th,  1865. 

Miller,  Eliott  S.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  September  15th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  arm 
May  30th,  1864.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  14th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Miller  is  living  at  Jamestown,  Dakota,  where  he  is  pursuing  the  occu 
pation  of  a  contractor  and  builder.  He  holds  the  position  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  in  the  militia  of  that  Territory,  and  has  filled  prominent  positions 
in  the  G.  A.  R.  Post  at  Jamestown. 

Miller,  Anthony.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  18th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  October  18th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living 
at  Bloomington,  111. 

Martin,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  15th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  June  1st,  1863;  to  Sergeant  September  1st,  1863. 
Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Murray,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  20th,  1861. 
Deserted  October  28th,  1861. 

McCann,  James.  Enlisted  April  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Neal,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  12th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  June  llth,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

O'Connell,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  March  15th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Blooming- 
ton,  111. 

Owen,  Leonard  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  llth,  1862. 

O'Conner,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  28th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  October  30th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Platt,  Charles  D.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  15th,  1864.  Wounded  in 
the  arm  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Promoted  to 
First  Lieutenant  May  9th,  1865. 

Paul,  Alexander.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  26th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  August  27th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
foot  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darby  town  Cross-Roads,  Va.;  also 
wounded  in  the  knee  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Died  at  Allerton,  Iowa,  in  1887. 

Rounds,  John  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington, September  12th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  the  regular  service  November  28th,  1862.  Died  in 
1885. 

Redicks,  Asa.  Enlisted  from  Zion  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 


420  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Sellman,  S.  H.  M.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  12th, 
1861.  Discharged  October  26th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at 
Cecil,  Kansas. 

Stout,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  March  23d,  1863,  for  disability. 

Shea,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  20th,  1861. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered 
out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Steinkulan,  Peter.  Enlisted  March  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

SiferS,  Theodore.  Enlisted  from  Jefferson  county  April  5th,  1865. 
In  prison  by  sentence  of  general  court-martial  at  muster-out  of  regi 
ment. 

Tanner,  Andrew  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Thompson,  Robert.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Vermillion,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  Corporal  August  7th,  1863;  to  Sergeant  in  1863. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out 
July  15th,  1864,  as  prisoner  of  war. 

Van  Dusen,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  20th,  1861. 
Died  October  4th,  1862,  at  Suffolk,  Va.,  from  disease. 

Wooding,  Alfred.  Enlisted  from  Decatur  August  12th,  1861. 
Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  June  16th,  1864,  near  Chester  Station, 
Va. 

Worely,  William  F.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1 861. 
Deserted  June  28th,  1863. 

Wilson,  William  F.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  30th, 
1861.  Discharged  February  5th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at 
Bloomington,  111. 

WolGOtt,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  5th, 
1861.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1863.  Mustered  out  Septem 
ber  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Williams,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  12th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  October  18th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Macon,  111. 

WolGOtt,  Edwin  N.  Enlisted  February  9th,  1864.  Wounded  May 
20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865.  Is  living  at  Bloomington,  111. 

Wheeler,  John.  Enlisted  February  28th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th.  1865,  with  regiment. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC.  421 


SUMMARY  or  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 6 

Died  of  wounds 5 

Died  of  disease 6 

Died  in  prison 1 

Drowned 1 

Wounded 34 

Lost  limbs 3 

Taken  prisoner 13 

Deserted 10 

Transferred 3 

Discharged  for  disability 33 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 34 

Re-enlisted 28 

Number  originally  enlisted 94 

Recruits , 56 

Mustered  out  with  regiment 45 

Known  to  be  living 34 


CHAPTEK  XXV. 


How  Company  C  was  Recruited  —  Roster  and  Biography  —  Summary  of 
Casualties. 


T 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  C. 

HIS  company  was  organized  and  principally  enlisted  at 
Pontiac,  Livingston  county,  111.,  in  the  month  of  July, 
1861,  through  the  efforts  of  John  Gray,  Simon  S.  Brucker 
and  others.  It  numbered  sixty-four  men  when  it  was  offered 
to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Eegiment,  and  was  the  second  company 
to  be  quartered  in  the  Wigwam  after  Company  A,  although 
there  were  a  few  men,  the  nucleus  of  Company  D,  being 
recruited  by  S.  S.  Linton  there  at  the  time.  At  the  date  of 
its  muster  into  the  United  States  service  it  numbered  nine 
ty-four  men, — eighty-three  of  them  from  the  vicinity  of 
Pontiac,  and  eleven  recruited  in  Chicago. 

The  company  was  made  up  of  first-class  material,  having 
in  its  ranks  several  men  who  had  seen  service  in  the  British 
army ;  but  it  had  not  been  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  its 
officers,  and  there  was  more  or  less  disaffection,  and  at  times 
even  mutinous  conduct  among  its  members  up  to  the  time 
that  Lieutenant  Jame^s  W.  Wightman  was  promoted  to  the 
captaincy,  May  26th,  1862,  when  it  became  almost  perfect  in 
discipline,  and  proved  itself  one  of  the  most  efficient  com 
panies  of  the  regiment. 

It  was  one  of  the  companies  stationed  at  Alpine  Station, 
Va.,  in  the  early  part  of  January,  1862,  where  they  met  a 
portion  of  the  Confederate  force  under  Jackson  and  Loring, 
and  where  they  met  their  first  baptism  of  fire  and  water, 
being  compelled  to  make  a  hasty  retreat  and  struggle  through 

422 


They  sleep  their  last  sleep, 
They  have  fought  their  last  battle; 
No  sound  can  awake  them 
To  glory  again." 


2.     LIEUT.  C.  J.  WILDER,  Co.   H. 
4.     CAPT.  C.  WILLIAMS,  Co.  H. 


1.     CAPT.  J.  W.  WIGHTMAN,  Co.  C.    3.     ASS'T  SURG.  WM.  WOODWARD. 
5.     CAPT.  OSCAR  F.  RUDD,  Co.  G.      6.     ADJ-T  JOSEPH   D.  WALKER. 


424  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

youth.  He  enlisted  and  was  made  Fifth  Sergeant  August  12th,  1861,  and 
was  promoted  to  Commissary  Sergeant  on  the  non-commissioned  staff 
November  28th,  1861;  from  this  position  was  promoted  to  a  First  Lieuten 
ancy,  being  deservedly  popular  with  the  members  of  his  company.  He 
was  a  brave  and  fearless  man,  almost  to  rashness;  a  strict,  yet  just  com 
mander;  and  it  was  by  reason  of  his  firm  discipline  and  steady  resolve  that 
his  company  was  brought  from  a  chaos  of  confusion  and  disorder  up  to  a 
pre-eminent  condition  of  obedience  and  soldierly  conduct  that  won  for  it 
confidence  and  position.  He  was  a  true  man  in  both  his  friendship  and 
his  enmity.  On  the  7th  of  September,  1863,  when  it  was  first  discovered 
that  Fort  Wagner,  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  was  being  evacuated,  and  when  it 
was  expected,  each  moment,  that  the  fort  would  be  blown  to  atoms,  he  vol 
unteered,  with  others,  and  entered  the  fort  and  cut  the  burning  fuse  leading 
to  the  magazine,  thus  preventing  what  otherwise  would  have  been  a  serious 
disaster  attended  with  great  destruction  to  life,  and  winning  for  himself 
laurels  that  will  never  fade  in  the  remembrance  of  his  comrades. 

On  the  16th  day  of  May,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff.  Va.,  after  the  regi 
ment  had  successfully  repulsed  the  third  assault  from  the  third  line  of  the 
enemy  upon  their  position,  he,  with  others,  in  their  feeling  of  exultation, 
leaped  upon  the  works,  waving  their  swords  and  cheering,  and  it  was  while 
thus  engaged  that  he  received  his  wounds  from  a  volley  fired  by  an  unob 
served  party  which  had  succeeded  in  flanking  them.  The  last  feeling  that  he 
probably  was  ever  conscious  of  in  this  life  was  one  of  pride  and  exultation 
at  the  success  of  his  comrades,  for  he  remained  insensible  from  the 
moment  he  was  struck  until  death  released  him,  the  next  morning. 

His  company  lost  a  brave  commander,  counselor  and  companion,  and 
the  regiment  a  noble  and  heroic  officer  and  friend,  in  his  death. 

Captain  James  Hannum.  Promoted  from  First  Lieutenant  July 
2d,  1864,  vice  Wightman.  died.  Mustered  out  December  6th.  1865, 
with  the  regiment. 

The  Captain  was  a  popular  and  efficient  officer.  When  last  heard 
from  he  was  suffering  with  rheumatism — a  most  unpleasant  reminder  of 
Jackson's  great  raid  on  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  when  he  with  others  was  com 
pelled  to  wade  the  Potomac  river.  He  is  living  at  Garnett,  Kansas, 
engaged  in  farming. 

First  Lieutenant  Wallace  Lord.  Commissioned  August  12th, 
1861.  Resigned  January  24th,  1862,  by  reason  of  poor  health. 

Lord  now  resides  at  Pontiac,  111.,  engaged  in  the  business  of  con 
tractor  and  builder.  No  response  was  given  to  a  request  for  a  biograph 
ical  sketch;  hence  the  brevity  of  this  notice. 

First  Lieutenant  James  W.  Wightman.  Promoted  Captain 
May  26th,  1862,  vice  John  Gray,  resigned. 

First    Lieutenant  James    Hannum.     Promoted  Captain  July 

2d,  1864,  vice  Wightman,  died. 


, 


1.     CAPT.  LEROY  A.  BAKER,  Co.  A.    2.      LT.  AL.  C.  SWEETSER,  Co.  B. 
4.     LEVI  HARVEY,  Co.  B.  5.     COM.  SERG'T  C.   F.   FRISBIE. 

7.     SERG'T  H.  G.  SMITH,  Co.  A.         8.     LIEUT.  S.   S.   BRUCKER,  Co.  C. 


3.     COM.   SERG-T  A.   B.   JOHNSON. 
6.     CORP'L   E.  O.  CHAPMAN,  Co.  C. 
9.     EDWARD  D.  CONLEY,  BAND. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY   C— OFFICERS.  425 

First  Lieutenant  Simon  S.  Brucker.  Resigned  May  19th, 
1864. 

Lieutenant  Brucker  was  born  at  Alzey,  Germany,  in  1838;  received 
his  education  at  public  school,  and  graduated  at  the  age  of  fourteen  in 
college  at  same  city.  In  May,  1852,  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  with 
a  brother  two  years  older  than  himself,  remaining  one  year  in  the  State  of 
New  Jersey,  until  enabled  to  master  the  English  language,  after  which  he 
started  for  Ohio,  remaining  there  but  a  few  months,  and  again  started  west 
ward,  halting  at  Pontiac,  111.,  then  a  small  village.  Embarked  in  the  mer 
cantile  business,  remaining  at  the  same  place  until  the  breaking  out  of  the 
war.  Enlisted  in  April,  1861,  in  the  Twentieth  Illinois  Regiment,  for  thirty 
days'  service,  returning  to  Pontiac  and  re-enlisting  on  August  12th,  1861,  in 
Company  C,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment,  for  three  years, 
having  been  actively  engaged  in  organizing  and  recruiting  that  company. 
Served  until  May,  1864,  when  he  tendered  his  resignation  as  First  Lieutenant 
of  said  company.  He  again  returned  to  Pontiac  and  entered  into  a  general 
merchandising  business,  remaining  at  same  place  until  January,  1877,  when 
he  accepted  a  position  as  general  salesman  with  the  old  and  well-known 
house  of  A.  T.  Stewart  &  Co.;  and  upon  the  retiring  of  said  house  from 
business  in  Chicago,  engaged  his  services  with  their  successors,  Messrs. 
James  H.  Walker  &  Co.,  with  whom  he  is  up  to  this  date,  holding  a  position 
of  trust  and  honor.  He  resides  at  259  Hermitage  avenue,  Chicago. 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel  Guisinger.  Promoted  First  Lieuten 
ant  March  31st,  1865,  vice  Hannurn,  promoted.  Resigned  his  commis 
sion  July  12th,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  Henry  H.  DeLong.  Wounded  June  17th, 
1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Is  living  at  Canton,  Dakota,  engaged  in  farming  and  is  a  prominent 
citizen,  having  held  several  elective  offices. 

Second  Lieutenant  Simon  S.  Brucker.  Commissioned  Au 
gust  12th,  1861.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  May  26th,  1862,  vice 
Wightman,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  Henderson.  Commissioned  May 
26th,  1862,  vice  Brucker,  promoted.  Resigned  June  28th,  1863. 

First    Sergeant   James    Henderson.    Enlisted   from   Rook's 

Creek  August  12th,  1861. 

Sergeant  William  Johnson.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  Au 
gust  12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  May  9th,  1862.  Is 
living,  but  address  not  known. 

Sergeant  James  Hannum.  Enlisted  from  Cayuga  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant,  vice  Brucker.  resigned. 

Sergeant  Charles  EllinwOOd.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August 
12th,  1861.  Discharged  July  4th,  1863.  for  disability. 

Sergeant  James  W.  Wightman.  Enlisted  from  Odeii  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Commissary  Sergeant  November  28th,  1861. 


426  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant  Daniel  Guisinger.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  Au 
gust  12th.  1861. 

Corporal  Martin  Howder.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek,  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  May  12th,  1862.  Wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864.  Died  at  Florence,  S.  C.,  October  llth,  1864. 

Corporal  A.  C.  Guernsey.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  24th,  1861.  Discharged  May 
4th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Corporal   William   R.   Worth.    Enlisted   from   Esmond   August 
12th,  1861.     Taken   prisoner    May    16th,  1864,  at  battle   of   Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.;  paroled,  and  discharged  August  15th,  1865. 
After  his  capture  Worth  was  taken  to  Libby  Prison,  Richmond,  Va., 

and  sent  from  there  to  Andersonville,  Georgia,  where  he   remained  one 

year,  suffering  untold  miseries  which  ruined  his  health  completely.     He  is 

now  living  at  Brookfield,  Linn  county,  Missouri. 

Corporal  Charles  Streeter.    Enlisted  from  Odeii  August  12th, 

1861.     Discharged  June  5th,.  1862,  for  physical  disability.     Is  living; 
address  not  known. 

Corporal  Edward  O.  Chapman.  Enlisted  from  Cayuga,  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  February  10th,  1863.  Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Sergeant  Chapman  was  one  of  the  party  of  eight  soldiers  that  cap 
tured  a  blockade-runner  in  Broad  river,  near  Bull's  Island,  S.  C.,  in  1863, 
and  took  it  to  Hilton  Head  and  delivered  it  to  General  Gilmore,  for  which 
service  they  received  special  mention  in  Orders.  He  was  wounded  at 
Kingsland  Creek,  Va.,  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy;  also  at  Wier  Bottom 
church;  and  again  at  Deep  Bottom,  Va. — the  last  of  which,  only,  required 
surgical  attention.  In  1864  he  was  detached  for  duty  with  the  Commissary 
of  Subsistence  at  City  Point,  Va.  He  says  that  during  the  famous  retreat 
from  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  the  old  ferry-boat,  with  a  portion  of  Company  C 
on  board,  got  "  stuck"  in  the  middle  of  tne  river;  and  that  when  Captain 
Gray  gave  his  famous  command  "  Follow  me!  "  he  followed  him  sufficiently 
far  to  find  the  water  decidedly  cold,  which  had  the  effect  of  cooling  his" 
haste,  and  he  got  aboard  again  and  assisted  in  getting  the  old  scow  to 
move.  Sergeant  Chapman  resides  at  Cayuga,  111.,  holding  the  position  of 
Station  Agent  of  the  Chicago  and  Alton  railroad. 

Corporal   Walter  A.   Gray.     Enlisted  from   Rook's   Creek   August 

28th,  1861.     Promoted  Sergeant  May  10th,  1862.     Deserted  February 

1st,  1863. 
Corporal   Albert  A.   FellOWS.     Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  1st, 

1861.     Taken  prisoner  March  22d,  1862,  near  Winchester,  Va.;  paroled 

and  discharged  in  May,  1862. 

Corporal  Daniel  Guisinger.    Enlisted  August  12th,  1861. 

Musician   Edward  Griffith.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  8th, 
1861.     Mustered  out  October  8th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
After  the  war  Griffith  located  in  Chicago  and  engaged  in  the  saloon 

business.     Is  supposed  to  be  living  there  now. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  C— PRIVATES.  427 

PEIVATES. 

Anderson,    K.     Enlisted  August  7th,  1864.     Died  September  27th  1865. 

Armstrong,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  26th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Akehurst,  Henry  C.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  October  llth,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living. 

Allen,  Andrew  C.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  12th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Sent  to  prison  in 
South  Carolina.  Died  September  25th,  1864. 

Akehurst,  James  S.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.;  arm  ampu 
tated.  Died  in  hospital  May  28th,  1864. 

Argubright,  Caleb  A.  Enlisted  from  Livingston  county,  Febru 
ary  10th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  July  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865.  Lives  at  Streator,  111. 

Atwater,  H.  J.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  September  5th,  1861.  Wounded 
August  20th,  1863,  near  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Mustered  out  September 
16th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Baer,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  in  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Veteran. 
Promoted  May  1st,  1865. 

Bell,  John.     Enlisted  August  29th,  1864.     Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1861. 

Beadles,  R.  Enlisted  April  6th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Burnham,  Foreman.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1865. 
Discharged  June  26th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Brown,  O.  P.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  25th,  1861.  Discharged 
October  28th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Baker,  Thornton.  Enlisted  from  Sandwich,  February  2d,  1864.  Dis 
charged  March  28th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Cooper,  William  S.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  August  28th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  May  26th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and  dis 
charged  December  12th,  1863.  Is  living  in  Colorado. 

Converse,  Melvin.  Enlisted  from  Ocoya  September  6th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  December  27th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Converse,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Ocoya  August  21st,  1861. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  Sep 
tember  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Christian,  Ackley.  Enlisted  March  31st,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Conrad,  Arthur.  Enlisted  March  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Carroll,  Harrison.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  22d,  1864. 

Davidson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  20th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  September  27th,  1862,  for  disability. 


428  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

DeLong,  Henry  H.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  28th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  29th,  18G3.  Promoted  Sergeant 
October  1st,  1864;  to  First  Sergeant  March  31st,  1865;  to  First  Lieu 
tenant  October,  1865. 

Drake,  Jasper  N.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  August  20th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  18th,  1862,  for  disability.  Resides  at  Wood  River, 
Nebraska. 

DePuy,  Hulburt.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  17th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Davis,  John  W.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Dunn,  Adam.  Enlisted  February  1st,  1865.  Wounded  in  leg  April  2d, 
1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Douglas,    Edward.      Enlisted   February    16th,    1865.     Mustered   out 

December  6th,  1865. 
Dean,  Joseph.     Enlisted  March   1st,  1865.     Discharged  August  9th, 

1865,  for  disability. 

Eggenberger,  Gallas.  Enlisted  from  Odell  August  12th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Eaton,  LasSOn  W.  Enlisted  from  Long  Point  February  14th,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  September  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Fenlison,  William  H.  Veteran.  Enlisted  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Sep 
tember  19th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal.  Reduced  to  ranks  June  7th. 

1863.  Wounded  October  13th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

FellOWS,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  December  24th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th, 

1864.  at    Drury's  Bluff,  Va.     Mustered  out  February  19th,    1865,  at 
expiration  of  service. 

Gott,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  June  2d,  1864,  at  Hatcher's  Run,  Va.  Died  in 
Anderson ville  prison,  Georgia,  June  15th,  1865. 

Girard,  Hermann.  Enlisted  from  Long  Point,  August  28th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Promoted 
Corporal  November  1st,  1864.  Also  wounded  October  9th,  1863,  at 
Fort  Wagner,  S.  C;  also  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th.  1865.  Resides  at  Long  Point,  111. 

Gorbett,  Quincy  A.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  August  6th,  1862,  for  disability.  Lives  at  Pontiac,  111. 

Gorbett  Henry  A.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Resides  at  La  Salle,  111.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Gambel,  Harvey.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Gardner,  Oscar.  Enlisted  from  Efford's  Point  October  24th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  arm  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  October  14th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  C— PRIVATES.  429 

Greenbaum,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  January  4th,  1864, 
and  detailed  to  regimental  band.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

After  the  war  Greenbaum  was  happily  married  to  a  lady  he  formed 
acquaintance  with  at  Richmond,  Va.  He  is  partially  deaf,  the  result  of 
concussion  from  being  too  near  an  exploding  cannon.  Resides  at  Fair- 
bury,  111.,  engaged  in  merchandising. 

Gorbett,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August,  1861. 
Died  April  17th,  1864,  in  general  hospital  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Gopp,  Seneca.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Deserted  December  6th. 
1861. 

Graham,  William.  Enlisted  February  15th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  ]865. 

Gorton,  Silas.  Enlisted  March  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Hamilton,  Lester.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  October  28th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal.  Killed  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier 
Bottom  church,  Va. 

Haney,  James.     Enlisted  from  Nebraska  August  28th,  1861.    Veteran. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at   battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
•    Va.     Lives  at  Keokuk,  Iowa. 

Haney,  Mathews.  Enlisted  from  Nebraska  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  August  21st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Headley,  William.  Enlisted  from  .  Chicago  August  28th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  March  23d,  1862,  at  Winchester,  Va.,  and  discharged 
the  service. 

Hughes,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861,  and 
discharged  for  disability. 

Howden,  Ephraim.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  September  6th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  May  20th  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va.  Promoted  Corporal  July  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865.  Resides  at  Pontiac,  111. 

Haney,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  4th,  1864.  Wounded 
May  20th  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 

1865. 

Hillsted,  Errick.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  24th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  June  20th,  1865,  by  order  WTar  Department. 

James,  Henry  T.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  30th,  1862,  for  disability.  Re-enlisted  February  29th, 
1864,  and  detailed  to  the  regimental  band.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865.  Resides  at  Atlantic  City,  Iowa. 

Johnson,  Stephen.  Enlisted  from  Ocoya  September  19th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  May  10th,  1862.  Killed  in  battle  May  20th,  1864, 
at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Johnson,  John  H.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal, 
and  then  Sergeant  July  2d,  1864.  Killed  October  13th,  1864.  at  battle 
of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Had  previously  been  wounded  June 
2d,  1864,  in  the  hip,  at  Chester  Station,  Va. 


430  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Jenkins,  Isaac  R.  Enlisted  from  Cayuga  August  19th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  severely  in  the  breast.  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of 
Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1865;  to 
Sergeant  May  1st,  1865. 

Jenkins  resides  at  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  and  is  connected  with  the  city  gov 
ernment  as  Electrician. 

Johnson,  Samuel  B.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  September  20th,  1863. 
Died  at  Hatcher's  Run,  Va.,  June  30th,  1864,  from  disease. 

Jenkins,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  December  30th,  1863. 
Wounded  in  the  neck  and  shoulder  May  15th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff, 
Va.,  and  wounded  in  the  thigh,  October  13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of 
Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  suffered 
the  amputation  of  the  limb  at  the  Soldiers'  Home,  Chicago,  in  1866. 

Since  Jenkins  left  the  service  he  has  resided  at  Pontiac,  111.,  holding 
various  official  positions.  At  present  he  fills  the  position  of  Deputy  Cir 
cuit  Court  Clerk.  He  was  President  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Veteran  Associa 
tion  for  1888. 

Kallsthoff,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  6th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  23d,  1862,  near  Warrenton  Junction, 
Va.;  was  paroled  and  exchanged,  and  again  captured  May  30th,  1862, 
near  Front  Royal,  Va.  He  is  living  somewhere  in  Indiana. 

Kennedy,  William.     Enlisted  from  New  Michigan  August  12th,  1861. 

Was  discharged  the  service  for  disability. 
Kinsie,   Franklin.     Enlisted  August  20th,  1861.     Deserted  December 

3d,  1864. 
Kendall,  John.     Enlisted  from  Ocoya  August  28th,  1861.     Promoted 

Corporal  September   1st,  1863.     Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864, 

at  expiration  of  service. 
Kearney,  Michael.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  24th,  1864. 

Long,  William  P.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal 
May  10th,  1862.  Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Lacey,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  Douglas  Brigade. 

Larkins,  John  M.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  22d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.; 
arm  amputated.  Discharged  June  19th,  1865. 

Li  1  ley,  James.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  22d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  shoulder  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered 
out  October  llth,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Lookinbill,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  Zion  April  13th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Moore,  A.  L.  Enlisted  from  Indian  Grove  August  28th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  26th,  1864.  Killed  April  2d, 
1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Myers,  Theodore.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  6th,  1861.  De 
serted  February  4th,  1862. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  C— PRIVATES.  431 

Malone,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  22d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  face  June  18th,  1864,  near  Chester  Station,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  in  September,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Murphy,  David.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  September  18th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  December  12th,  1863,  for  disability. 

McGregor,  Alonzo.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  22d,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

McNally,  Michael.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  29th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  hand,  May  16th,  1864,  near  WTier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Discharged  April  25th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Malone,  A.  J.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  22d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  4th,  1864;  and  to  Sergeant  May 
1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Morgan,  William  M.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  January  21st,  1864. 
Killed  in  battle  June  2d.  1864,  at  or  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

McGregor,  Charles  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  22d,  1864, 
and  detailed  to  the  regimental  band.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865,  with  the  regiment. 

Mack  was  always  jolly,  and  made  music  wherever  he  went.  He  never 
got  into  much  trouble  except  that  he  and  the  Colonel  used  to  have  a  little 
misunderstanding  occasionally  on  some  point  of  order  or  discipline.  After 
leaving  the  service  he  returned  to  Pontiac  and  went  into  the  drug  business 
and  got  rich.  Latterly  he  has  had  an  Indian  agency  out  in  the  Indian 
Territory,  and  got  richer.  If  not,  why  not?  He  resides  at  Pontiac,  111. 

McElfreet,  James.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  16th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Miller,  G.  D.  Enlisted  September  29th,  1861.  Deserted  February 
24th,  1862. 

Miner,  John.  Enlisted  February  17th,  1865.  Deserted  June  15th, 
1865. 

McClaime,  Wm.  J.  Enlisted  February  28th,  1865.  Killed  April  2d, 
1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Myers,  Thomas  W.  Enlisted  March  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Nash,  L.  N.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  September  21st,  1861.  Dis 
charged  July  25th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Perry,   William    H.     Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  12th,  1861.     Died 

February  25th,  1862. 

Fernet,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Odell  September  9th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Pembroke,  Jerry.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  January  31st,  1862,  for  disability.  Resides  at  Ottawa,  111. 

Palmer,  Gersham.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  19th,  1861.  Died 
February  21st,  1863. 

Potter,  William.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  28th,  1861. 
Died  February  20th,  1863. 


432  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Porter,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  LeRoy  March  21st,  1862.  Absent, 
sick,  at  muster-out  of  regiment. 

Reese?  Isaao  C.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  September  14th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out^Sep'ember  13th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Resides  at 
Bloomingion,  111. 

Raney,  Samuel-  Enlisted  from  Cayuga  August  12*th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  June  2d,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.;  paroled  and 
exchaug&I.  Discharged  September  26th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Riley,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  12th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  May  9th,  1863,  for  disability, 

Robinson,  William  E.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  22d, 
1861.  Discharged  March  8th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Relae,  George.  Enlisted  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
in  leg  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.; 
wounded  in  right  arm  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va. — arm  amputated.  Discharged  June  17th,  1865. 

Richardson,    Jerry.      Enlisted   from    Sunbury   August    21st,    1861. 

Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  May  20th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.; 

paroled  and  exchanged.     Mustered  out  June  24th,  1865,  at  expiration 
f  rtpf  service. 

Reed,  Henry.    Enlisted  August  25th,  1861.    Died  December  25th,  1861. 
Racker,   Michael.     Enlisted  March  7th,  1864.     Discharged  July  5th, 

1865,  under  order  War  Department. 
Russel,  S.  S.     Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.     Mustered  out  December  6th, 

1865. 
Ray,    Wilson.     Enlisted    June    30th,    1865.      Contracted    disease    in 

October,  1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  and  died  in  1870. 

bu  John,  Seth.  Enlisted  from  Ocoya  September  6th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  March  10th,  1862.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th, 
1864,  a*  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  was  sent  to  prison  at  Florence,  S.  C. 

Shultz,  Valentine.  Enlisted  from  Nebraska  August  12th,  1861. 
Wounded  April  4th,  1862,  at  Woodstock,  Va.  Discharged  June  18th, 
1862,  for  disability. 

Scott,  Wesley.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  August  16th,  1861.  Promoted 
Corporal  September  4th,  1864.  Wounded  in  thigh  May  20th,  1864,  at 
Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.;  also  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  October 
13th.  1864.  Paroled,  and  died  in  Camp  Parole  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

Springer,  R.  Enlisted  from  Amity  August  12th,  1861.  Discharged 
July  21st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Sellman,  John.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  August  18th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Schafer,  J.  L.  Enlisted  from  Cayuga  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1864.  Wounded  in  shoulder  May  16th, 
1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Promoted  Sergeant  January  1st,  1865. 
Resides  at  Tippecanoe  City,  Ohio. 

Stephenson,  Albert  A.  Enlisted  from  Nebraska  August  27th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in  prison 
at  Florence,  S.  C.,  October  llth,  1864. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY   C— PRIVATES.  433 

Sell  man,  M.  B.  Enlisted  from  Ocoya  February  22d,  1864.  Promoted 
Corporal  July  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

SchlweiS,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  January  25th,  1864. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Discharged 
July  20th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Starkey,  Orlando.  Enlisted  February  10th,  1864.  Wounded  in  thigh 
August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal 
May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Smith,  John.  Enlisted  March  14th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Strong,  Ambrose.  Enlisted  February  17th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Urick,  Samuel.  Enlisted  December  22d,  1864.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Unrine,  Oscar.  Enlisted  from  Esmond  August  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Van  Valkinberg,  E.  P.  Enlisted  from  Odell  August  30th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 
Discharged  July  18th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Vieux,  John.  Enlisted  from  Odell  September  10th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  May,  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Vieux,  Casimir.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  August  16th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  December  16th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Watspn,  John.  Enlisted  from  New  Michigan  September  29th,  1861. 
Discharged  in  May,  1862,  for  disability. 

We  id  man,  W.  M.  Enlisted  from  Rook's  Creek  September  16th,  1861, 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.; 
paroled  and  exchanged.  Died  December  21st,  1864. 

Wilson,  James  A.    Enlisted  March  14th,  1864. 

Wood,  Samuel  C.  Enlisted  January  llth,  1865.  Deserted  August 
12th,  1865. 

Wemick,  William.  Enlisted  February  27th,  1865.  Deserted  June 
25th,  1865. 

Wogle,  John  J.     Enlisted  February  28th,  1865. 


28 


434  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 7 

Died  of  wounds 2 

Died  in  prison 4 

Died  of  disease 7 

Wounded 32 

Lost  limbs 4 

Taken  prisoner 13 

Discharged  for  disability 27 

Transferred 2 

Deserted 8 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 18 

Re-enlisted  as  veterans 39 

Number  originally  enlisted 89 

Recruits 51 

Mustered  out  with  the  regiment 62 

Known  to  be  living  (1889) 39 


CHAPTEE  XXVI. 


Organization  of  Company  D — Roster  and  Biographical  Sketches — Sum 
mary  of  Casualties,  etc. 


HISTORY  or  COMPANY  D. 

npHIS  company  was  organized  at  Kochelle,  111.,  by  Sam 
uel  S.  Linton.  The  larger  portion  of  it  was  recruited 
from  Ogle  county,  and  some  were  from  Lee  county.  It  was 
among  the  first  to  be  assigned  to  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois, 
and  was  for  some  weeks  quartered  in  the  old  Kepublican 
Wigwam,  on  Market  street,  Chicago.  At  the  time  of  its 
muster  into  the  United  States  service  it  numbered  some 
eighty-eight  young,  robust  and  enthusiastic  men.  They 
were  mostly  farmers'  sons,  used  to  hard  labor,  and  in  good 
circumstances.  They  enlisted  believing  that  their  country 
needed  their  services,  not  for  the  novelty  of  wearing  a  uni 
form  and  enjoying  camp-life,  and  their  conduct  throughout 
the  whole  war  evinced  how  earnest  and  sincere  was  their 
devotion  to  their  imperiled  country.  It  was  the  first  com 
pany  to  meet  the  advancing  force  of  the  enemy  under 
General  Jackson  near  Bath,  Ya.,  January  3d,  1862,  holding 
them  in  check  for  some  hours,  and  finally  retreating  in  good 
order  with  the  loss  of  a  few  men  taken  prisoners. 

This  company  was  without  a  peer  in  skirmish  tactics, 
consequently  was  often  sent  forward  upon  that  duty,  and  did 
noble  service.  Nearly  three-fourths  of  the  members  re-en 
listed  at  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  January  1st,  1864,  as  veterans, 
and  during  the  continuance  of  the  war  it  proved  a  most 
prominent  factor  in  all  the  battles  and  assaults  the  regiment 
was  engaged  in.  It  is  impossible,  in  the  brief  space  allotted, 


435 


436  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

to  give  a  detailed  account  of  its  movements  during  the  four 
years  and  two  months  of  continuous  service  at  the  front. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  it  was  never  found  wanting  when  called 
upon,  and  never  failed  to  do  its  full  duty;  and  now,  after 
more  than  a  score  of  years,  the  few  survivors  look  with  pride 
and  satisfaction  upon  what  they  helped  to  bring  about— 
namely,  a  united,  happy,  and  prosperous  Nation. 


EOSTEB  OF  COMPANY  D. 

Captain  Samuel  S.  Linton.  Commissioned  August  9th,  1861. 
Promoted  to  Major  January  13th.  1863,  vice  S.  W.  Munn,  resigned. 

Captain  George  O.  Snowden.  Wounded  at  Bermuda  Hundred, 
Va.,  in  the  right  thigh,  June  3d,  1864.  Was  sent  to  Chesapeake  hos 
pital,  Fort  Monroe,  Va.  While  there,  gangrene  attacked  the  wound 
and  he  was  kept  there  all  the  summer.  He  reported  back  to  the  regi 
ment  in  October,  1864,  but  finding  that  he  was  unable  to  stand  much 
field  service  he  was  mustered  out  November  10th,  1864. 

Captain  Snowden  was  born  in  the  City  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  December 
31st,  1835.  His  early  years  were  occupied  in  attending  school,  and  when 
old  enough  he  entered  a  printing  office  as  "  Printer's  Devil."  In  1855  he 
went  to  Oregon,  Ogle  county,  111.,  where  he  engaged  in  clerking  until  the 
year  1858,  when  he  went  South  and  commenced  steamboating,  which  busi 
ness  he  followed  until  the  fall  of  1860  and  then  returned  to  Oregon  and 
entered  his  father's  drug  store  as  clerk.  Early  in  1861  he  met  S.  S.  Linton, 
who  was  recruiting  men  for  Company  D,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers, 
and  accompanied  him  to  Chicago,  where,  after  looking  things  over,  he 
concluded  to  enlist,  and  was  mustered  into  Company  D  as  a  private.  At 
Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  he  was  promoted  to  First  Sergeant  by 
Colonel  Austin  Light.  He  was  first  under  the  fire  of  the  enemy  at  Dam 
No.  5  on  the  Potomac  river,  near  Clear  Springs,  Md.  At  the  battle  of  Win 
chester,  Va.,  March  23d,  1862,  he  commanded  his  company  by  reason  of 
Captain  Linton  acting  as  Major  and  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Linton  as  Quarter 
master  of  the  regiment,  and  Lieutenant  Towner  absent  sick.  At  Strasburgh, 
Va.,  Colonel  Osborn  ordered  him  to  put  aside  his  gun  and  knapsack  and 
take  a  sword,  which  he  did  with  becoming  modesty,  and  was  commis 
sioned  First  Lieutenant  June  12th,  1862,  at  Luray,  Va. 

During  the  siege  of  Charleston.  S.  C.,  he  was  in  command  of  the 
force  in  support  of  the  "  Swamp  Angel "  the  night  the  gun  burst — the 
breech  being  blown  off. 

Captain  Snowden  was  a  brave,  faithful  and  meritorious  officer  and 
soldier,  and  the  necessity  for  his  leaving  the  service  was  much  regretted  by 
all  who  knew  him.  He  left  the  service  highly  commended  by  his  superior 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  D— OFFICERS.  437 

officers  for  his  intelligence  and  soldierly  bearing  and  his  faithful  and 
prompt  obedience  in  the  execution  of  all  orders.  The  Captain  is  now 
living  at  Waterloo,  Iowa,  engaged  in  the  book  and  stationery  business. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Linton.   Commissioned  August  nth,  1861. 

Promoted  to  Regimental  Quartermaster  June  12th,  1862,  vice  Cutler, 
resigned.  (  See  Field  and  Staff.) 

First  Lieutenant  George  O.  Snowden.    Commissioned  June 

12th,  1862,  vice  J.  F.  Linton,  promoted. 

First    Lieutenant  Cyrus    F.  Knapp.    Wounded   August   16th, 

1864,  in  the  shoulder,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered  out 
December  17th,  1864. 

After  leaving  the  service,  Lieutenant  Knapp  engaged  in  business  in 
Chicago,  but  in  later  years  removed  to  some  place  in  Michigan,  where,  it  is 
reported,  he  died. 

First  Lieutenant  William   H.  Ferren.    Commissioned  March 

31st,  1865,  vice  Knapp,  mustered  out.     Resigned  August  16th,  1865. 

Nothing  is  known  of  Ferrin's  early  history,  or  what  has  become  of 
him. 

First  Lieutenant  Edmond  J.  Thayer.    Commissioned  Sergeant 

August  21st,  1865,  vice  Ferrin,  resigned.  Wounded  June  18th,  1864; 
and  again  October  7th,  1864,  in  both  legs,  and  portion  of  fibula  of 
right  leg  resected. 

Thayer  was  born  August  22d,  1840,  at  Chelsea,  Vermont;  emigrated  to 
Iowa  in  1854,  and  in  the  winter  of  1859  removed  to  Ogle  county,  111.  From 
this  place  he  enlisted  in  Company  D.  He  had  previously  enlisted  for  the 
three  months'  service,  but  the  company  was  not  accepted.  He  was  the  first 
man  from  the  regiment  to  re-enlist  as  a  veteran  in  January,  1864.  While 
home  on  veteran  furlough  he  married  Miss  E.  F.  Benedict  at  Lindenwood, 
Ogle  county.  After  the  war  he  went  to  Kansas,  locating  on  a  homestead 
near  -Fort  Scott,  where  he  remained  until  1878,  when  he  moved  to  lola, 
Kansas,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  milling  business.  He  has  obeyed  the 
divine  injunction  to  "increase  and  multiply,"  for  two  sons  and  six 
daugeters  make  glad  his  home  circle. 

Lieutenant  Thayer  was  a  deserving  soldier,  and  fairly  won  all  his 
promotions.  He  was  greatly  respected  for  his  many  excellent  qualities  as 
a  man  and  his  soldierly  conduct  wherever  placed.  He  was  commissioned 
Captain  of  Company  D,  December  6th.  1865,  but  could  not  be  mustered  as 
there  was  not  the  requisite  number  of  men  in  the  company.  The  company 
had  been  under  his  command  since  August  16th,  and  remained  so  until  the 
final  disbandment  December  16th,  1865. 

Second  Lieutenant  Austin  Towner.  Commissioned  August 
9th,  1861.  Resigned  September  4th,  1862.  Is  now  living  at  Quarry, 
Marshall  county,  Iowa. 

Second  Lieutenant  Cyrus  F.  Knapp.  Promoted  First  Lieu 
tenant  September  llth,  1862,  vice  Snowden,  promoted. 


438  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Second  Lieutenant  John  Frane.  Killed  in  battle  August  16th, 
1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

First  Sergeant  George  O.  Snowden.    Enlisted  August  12th, 

1861.     Promoted  First  Lieutenant  June  12th,  1862. 

Sergeant  Cyrus  F.  Knapp.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  12th, 
1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  September  4th,  1862. 

Sergeant  John  W.  Gitchell.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  Au 
gust  9th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  May  10th,  1862.  Died  from 
disease. 

Sergeant  John  Frane.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  9th, 
1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  January  13th,  1863. 

Sergeant  John  L.  York.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  9th, 
1861.  Died  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October,  1861. 

Corporal  Edmond  J.  Thayer.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood  Au 
gust  21st,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  in  1863;  promoted 
First  Lieutenant  September  21st,  1865. 

Corporal  Charles  Miles.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood  August  31st, 
1861.  Discharged  June,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Oregon,  111. 

Corporal  Gottlieb  Horn.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood  August 
12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  and  made  regimental 
bugler,  at  his  request.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  leg.  Is  liv 
ing  at  Holcomb,  111. 

Corporal  Maiden  E.  Waite.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  9th, 
1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  December  7th,  1861.  Wounded  in  the 
arm  June  16th,  1864.  Died  July  2d,  1864,  in  hospital,  from  wounds. 

Corporal  William  H.  Beach.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September 
5th,  1861.  Discharged  May  30th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Corporal  Ezra  E.  Johnson.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  Sep 
tember  4th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  May  llth,  1862.  Mustered 
out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Corporal  Thomas  Hopkins.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin  August 
22d,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  October  4th,  1862.  Killed 
May  20th,  1864,  in  battle. 

Corporal   C.   D.  Gaul.     Enlisted  from  Dwight  September  21st,  1861. 

Veteran.     Promoted  Sergeant  December  5th,  1864.     Wounded  in  the 

head  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Corporal  Gaul  also  received  two  accidental  wounds — one  from  a  bay 
onet,  in  the  thigh,  in  July,  1863,  and  one  while  cutting  timber  in  the  spring 
of  1864,  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.  Is  living  near  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

PRIVATES. 

Atkinson,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  September  9th, 
1861.  Discharged  June,  1862,  for  disability. 

AtWQOd,  Joseph   S.     Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.     Wounded  in  both  thighs  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of   Wier 
Bottom  church,  Va.     Mustered  out  with  the  regiment. 
Atwood  was  born   in  Canada,  June   27th,  1841,  and  remained   there 


1.     LIEUT.  S.  W.  HOFFMAN.  2.     LIEUT.  JOHN   FRANE,  Co.    D.        3.     LIEUT.  JAMES  LEMON,  Co.  '.. 

5.     LIEUT.  HORACE  KNAPP,  Co.  D.    4.     LIEUT.  L.   T.  WHIPPLE,  Co.  E.       6.     SERG'T-MAJOR  REESE  BISHOP. 
7.     LIEUT.  ALBERT  FELLOWS,  Co.   I. 


440  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Cutler,  George  O.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  August  28th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  and  discharged  with  the  original  band  in  1862.  Re-enlisted. 
Wounded  in  the  head  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Promoted  Corporal  De 
cember  15th,  1862.  Died  September  llth,  1863,  from  disease. 

Collins,  David.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  29th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  December  7th,  1861;  to  Sergeant  July  1st,  1862. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Chasm,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  21st,  1861.  Died 
August  18th,  1862. 

Crum,  William.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  5th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  June  6th,  1862, 
for  disability. 

CummingS,  William  S.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  4th, 
1861.  Discharged  June,  1862,  for  disability. 

Chichester,  Sanford  H.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin  August  23d, 
1861.  Discharged  March  31st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Core,  Robert.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Wounded  April  2d,  1865, 
at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Crum,  Gabriel.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  5th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  27th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Corsant,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  5th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  26th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.  Discharged  October 
16th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Cannon,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  February  25th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  also  October  13th, 
1864.  Died  October  22d,  1864.  from  wounds. 

Dietz,  Augustus.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Dresser,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  29th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Killed  October  16th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Doyle,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  9th.  1864.  Wounded 
May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  taken  prisoner.  Is  living 
at  Leadville,  Colorado. 

Doran,  James.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  November  22d,  1863.  Dis 
charged  June  23d,  1864,  for  disability. 

Dagnan,  John.  Enlisted  from  Schaumberg  September  26th,  1864. 
Discharged  June  10th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Ellis,  Dwight  D.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  December  17th,  1862.  Killed 
August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Edmonds,  D.  W.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  18th,  1861.  Deserted 
August  20th,  1861. 

Fuller,  Thomas  A.  Enlisted  from  Rockvale  March  1st,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Oregon,  111. 

Fuller,  Mahlon  T.  Enlisted  August  21st,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
May  20th,  1864,  in  the  leg.  Promoted  Corporal  April  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Lyons,  Clinton  county, 
Iowa. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  D— PRIVATES.  441 

Ferren,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  9th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  March  1st,  1863,  and'  to  Second  Lieu 
tenant  in  1865. 

Farbel,  Joseph  D.  Enlisted  September  1st,  1861.  Discharged  Au 
gust  13th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Fuller,  Leander  C.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  29th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  14th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Allerton,  Iowa. 

FolSOm,  William  F.  Enlisted  from  Hennepin  August  21st,  1861. 
Discharged  May  31st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Farley,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  head  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  15th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Oregon, 
Ogle  county.  111. 

Ferrell,  Jesse  A.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  9th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  October  27th,  1864.  Died  in  prison  at 
Florence,  S.  C. 

Fuller,    George    L.     Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  22d,  1861.     Pro 
moted  Corporal  November  1st,  1862.     Reduced  July  15th,  1864.    Mus 
tered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Fuller  is  now  living  at  Athens,  Penn.,  engaged  in  the  confectionery 

business. 

Foster,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  12th,  1861.  Deserted 
August  16th,  1862. 

Griffith,  George.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Wounded 
August  26th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Died  August  31st,  1863, 
from  wounds. 

Gregory,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Aurora  August  16th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  September  llth,  1863;  to  Sergeant  August  4th, 
1865.  Is  living  at  Lake  Linden,  Mich. 

Garrett,  James.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  9th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  right  arm  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va.  Is  living  at  Berlin,  Wis. 

German,  Allen.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  29th,  1861.  Deserted 
December  18th,  1861. 

Godfrey,  Isaac.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  leg  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Discharged  July 
20th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Grant,  James  L.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  August  12th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  June  6th, 
1862,  for  disability. 

Guyott,  Frank.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  August  15th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  22d,  1862.  Deserted  March 
9th,  1864. 

Gaurley,    Alexander.     Enlisted  from  Dwight  September  21st,  1861, 

at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  Veteran.  Mustered  out  May  6th,  1865. 

Gaurley  was   detailed  as  company   cook.     When    Captain   Snowden 

received  his  wound,  June  3d,  1864,  he  took  the  Captain  upon  his  shoulders 

and  carried  him  to  a  place  of  safety,  then  rejoined  his  company  in  the 


442  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

battle.  The  following  incident  is  related  by  Lieutenant  E.  J.  Thayer  of 
Gaurley's  efforts  to  please.  Snowden  had  spoken  of  liking  apple-sauce 
flavored  with  nutmeg,  and  the  following  day  Gaurley  remarked  that  he  had 
bought  some  nutmegs,  but  he  didn't  believe  they  were  good,  for  he  had 
cooked  them  a  long  time  and  they  failed  to  get  any  softer.  He  is  living  at 
the  Soldiers'  Home  at  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  and  is  ninety-five  years  of  age, 
— the  oldest  survivor  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  by  many  years. 

Greeh,  Ira  W.  Enlisted  from  Marion  February  27th,  1864.  Wounded 
May  16th,  1864,  in  the  arm,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Hummell,  Robert  N.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  16th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  head  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Killed,  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Harding,  Eugene  H.  Enlisted  from  Dement  August  5th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  arm  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Dis 
charged  June  13th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living,  but 
his  address  is  not  known.  • 

Hemmerling,  Fred.  M.  Enlisted  from  Paine's  Point  September 
6th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  —  —  ;  Sergeant  Septem 
ber  1st,  1864.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
He  is  living  at  New  Hartford,  Iowa. 

Hare,  John.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  9th,  1861.  Discharged  March 
5th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Huff,  Charles  M.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  21st,  1861.  Deserted 
November  30th,  1861. 

Hewitt,  Frank  E.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  6th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  January  9th, 
1863,  for  disability. 

Hunt,  L.  J.  Enlisted  from  Peru  August  9th,  1861.  Wounded  August 
16th,  1864,  in  the  head.  Promoted  Corporal  March  1st,  1865. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  in  left  cheek.  Deserted  August  3d,  1865. 

Harman,  Thomas.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1864.  Discharged 
January  10th,  1865,  under  order  of  War  Department. 

Jones,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  3d,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  left  thigh  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross- 
Roads,  Va. 

After  leaving  the  service  Jones  pursued  a  course  of  medical  study, 
attending  lectures  at  Rush  Medical  College  in  Chicago,  session  1867-68, 
and  graduated  at  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  Keokuk,  Iowa, 
in  1874.  He  resides  at  Forest  City,  Iowa. 

Jones,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Taylorville  April  14th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Jacobs,  Bernard.  Enlisted  February  21st,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Kuyler,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  September  5th,  1861.  Died 
October  24th,  1861.  at  Dwight,  111. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  D— PRIVATES.  443 

Kinnaw,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  21st,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  thigh  August  16th,  1864,  at  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  Va.  Is  living  at  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

Kinney,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  22d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Discharged  December  1st,  1862,  for  disability.  Re-enlisted 
February  25th,  1864.  He  was  wounded  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Paroled  and 
exchanged,  and  killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va. 

Kinney,  Barney.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Kinney,  John.     Enlisted  April  14th,  1865.     Deserted  June,  1865. 

Lyons,  John.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  27th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  April  1st,  1865. 

Lynn,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  21st,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1862;  Sergeant  September 
1st,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  thigh  April  2d,  1865,  in  the  assault  on 
Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Was  also  wounded  June  2d,  1864,  in  the  head,  and 
again  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  breast  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 
Mustered  out  December  6th  1865. 

Lawson,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  19th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Taken  prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.;  paroled  and 
exchanged.  Promoted  Corporal  September  2d,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  on  Eighteenth  street,  Chicago.  (His 
proper  name  is  Larsen.  The  Adjutant-General's  report  has  it 
Lucen.) 

Lee,  Jefferson.  Enlisted  September  30th,  1861.  Mustered  out  Sep 
tember  30th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Luce,  William   C.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  22d,  1864. 

Ladd,  AttiCUS  A.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  October  27th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  October  27th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
San  Francisco,  Cal. 

LOW,  Richard.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Lacey,  James  L.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  21st,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  June  6th, 
1862,  for  disability. 

Langley,  John.    Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.    Mustered  out  December  6th, 

1865. 

McLaughlin,  John.  Enlisted  September  3d,  1861.  Transferred  to 
regular  service  December  5th,  1862. 

Martuze,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  13th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  thigh,  at  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va. 

McCarnley,  F.  S.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal, 
and  to  Sergeant  September  5th,  1864.  Wounded  October  13th,  in  the 
leg,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 


444  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Martin,  John.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Taken  pris 
oner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  for  disability. 

Miller,  John.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Dis 
charged  July  15th,  1865,  for  disability'from  wounds. 

Moore,  William.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  26th,  1861.  Mustered 
out  September  l()th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
Waco,  Nebraska. 

Myers,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Martinsburg  February  20th,  1861. 
Died  September  15th,  1864. 

Mott,  Leander  M.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  17th,  1862. 
Transferred  to  non-commissioned  staff  as  principal  musician.  Is 
living  at  Englewood,  111. 

Morgan,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  29th,  1864. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Dis 
charged  September  1st,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living 
at  Streator,  111. 

Montgomery,  George.  Enlisted  March  29th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Martin,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  December  17th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

McLain,   M.     Enlisted  January  6th,  1865.     Died  July  3d,  1865. 

McMiller,  James.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Morgan,  Thomas  J.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

McTravis,  John.  Enlisted  January  6th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

McLain,  William.  Enlisted  January  6th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Moore,  Richard.  Enlisted  January  5th,  1865.  Discharged  June  23d, 
1865,  for  disability. 

Nason,  Adam  C.  Enlisted  from  Rockford  November  19th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  March  28th,  1862,  at  Winchester,  Va.  Wounded  in 
the  thigh  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  September  1st,  1864.  Discharged  June  16th,  1865. 

Nye,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  3d,  1861.  Mustered 
out  October  12th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Odell,  John  L.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  September  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.;  arm 
amputated  at  shoulder  joint.  Died  in  hospital  June  29th,  1864,  from 
wounds. 

Poffenberger,  James.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  15th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Patterson,  William  A.  Enlisted  from  Oregon  August  28th,  1861. 
Wounded  October  1st,  1863,  at  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C.  Mustered  out  Sep 
tember  10th.  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Westminster, 
Los  Angeles  county,  California,  engaged  in  farming. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  D— PRIVATES.  445 

POStel,  William  S.  Enlisted  August  21st,  1861.  Transferred  to 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps  June  20th,  1864. 

Peterson,  Ole  C.  Enlisted  from  Lake  View  September  22d,  1864. 
Discharged  June  10th,  1865,  under  order  of  War  Department. 

Purck,  Henry.  Enlisted  March  2d,  1865.  Wounded  in  bowels  April 
2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Died  April  4th,  1865,  in 
hospital  at  Point  of  Rocks,  Va. 

Phillips,  James.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Page,   Allen.     Enlisted  March  23d,  1865.     Died  May  12th,  1865. 

Robinson,  George  H.  Enlisted  from  Hedgesville,  Va..  March  1st, 
1862.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va ;  leg  am 
putated.  Died  May  25th,  1864,  in  hospital,  from  wounds. 

ROSt,  Lewis  J.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  September  21st,  1861.  Wound 
ed  August  16th,  1864,  in  the  arm  and  breast,  at  Darbytown  Cross- 
Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out  September  21st,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
service. 

Reese,  John.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  9th,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  September  1st,  1863;  Sergeant  April  1st,  1865.  Is 
living  at  Munson,  Iowa. 

ROOt,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Killed  Sep 
tember  9th,  1864,  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va. 

ROOt,  Luther  J.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  April  10th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Reed,  J.  F.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Saw  in,  Royal  E.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  12th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Sergeant  May  20th,  1864.  Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at 
battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Schuman,  Charles  F.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood  September  29th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  30th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Schwab,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  August  9th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  No.  11  Duke 
street,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Stillyer,  John.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  August  9th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Smith,  Michael.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  21st,  1861.  Wounded 
in  the  head  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Spinnings,  Clark.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  September  3d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  22d,  1863,  for  disability. 

Staley,  Abner.  Enlisted  from  Dwight  December  17th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Smith,  Henry.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Shields,  Peter.  Enlisted  February  20th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 


446  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS, 

Tobias,  Nathaniel.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  29th,  1861.  Killed 
May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff. 

Taggart,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  29th,  1864.  Wound 
ed  in  the  arm  May  20th,  1864.  Deserted  August  3d,  1865. 

Tindale,  Daniel  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  November  19th,  1863. 
Wounded  in  leg  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Deserted  August 
3d,  1865. 

Vaughn,  William  D.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1865.  Killed  at  Fort 
Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Waite,  Maiden  C.  Enlisted  from  Lane  August  9th,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va.  Discharged  June  6th,  1862, 
for  disability. 

Wurdeman,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood,  August  28th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  1st,  1864.  Wounded  Octo 
ber  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Wells,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Lane  September  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  5th,  1864.  WTounded  in  both 
knees  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  20th,  1865. 
Died  at  Chicago,  111.,  in  1887. 

Wise,  Christian.  Enlisted  from  Lindenwood  August  21st,  1861. 
Wandered  from  camp  near  Edinburg,  Va.,  April,  1862,  in  a  state  of 
insanity. 

Weinholtz,  John  C.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  30th,  1861. 
Deserted  October  16th,  1861. 

Walls,  Nelson.  Enlisted  from  Willow  Creek  August  20th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Taken  prisoner  January  3d,  1862,  at  Bath,  Va. 

Walls  is  marked  as  having  deserted  March  8th,  1864.  He  went  into 
the  gunboat  service  on  the  Mississippi  river,  and  served  until  the  end  of 
the  war.  Is  living  at  Fond  du  Lac,  Wisconsin. 

Willis,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  29th,  1864. 
Missing  since  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Wengler,  Peter.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Deserted  September 
1st,  1865. 

Ward,   L.  S.     Enlisted  April  10th,  1865.     Deserted  June  28th,  1865. 

Wills,  Elmore.  Enlisted  March  23d,  1865.  Died  June  16th,  at  Rich 
mond,  Va.,  in  hospital  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps. 


SUMMARY   OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC.  447 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 10 

Died  of  wounds 6 

Died  of  disease 10 

Died  in  prison 2 

Wounded 42 

Taken  prisoner 15 

Lost  limbs . .    2 

Deserted 13 

Transferred 4 

Discharged  for  disability 31 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 12 

Number  re-enlisted 43 

Number  originally  enlisted 88 

Recruits ...  60 

Number  returned  home  at  muster-out 67 

Number  known  to  be  living 25 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


Company  E  —  How   Recruited  —  Roster   and   Biography  —  Summary  of 
Casualties,  etc. 


s 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  E. 

OME  time  in  May,  1801,  soon  after  Stephen  A.  Douglas 
had  returned  to  Illinois  and  made  his  memorable 
speeches  in  support  of  the  Union,  a  band  of  young  men  in 
Wesley  township.  Will  county,  united  and  formed  at  the 
Wesley  school-house  a  company  which  was  called  the  "  Flor 
ence  Eifles."  They  met  each  Saturday  afternoon  for  drill 
in  company  evolutions,  and  were  uniformed  in  blue  blouses. 
This  continued  up  to  some  time  in  August,  when  they  began 
to  look  about  for  a  regiment  in  which  to  enlist  for  the  war. 

A  company  that  had  been  formed  at  Wilmington,  111., 
some  six  miles  distant,  and  which  had  joined  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois,  or  "  Yates  Phalanx"  (Company  A),  had  some 
influence  in  determining  their  choice  of  a  regiment,  and  on 
September  12th,  1801,  they  proceeded  to  Chicago,  and  en 
tered  that  regiment  at  Camp  Mather,  forming  the  nucleus  of 
Company  E.  While  at  Camp  Mather  the  company  received 
a  number  of  recruits  from  different  places  in  the  State,  and 
from  the  city.  October  llth,  1801,  the  membership  num 
bered  forty-six  men.  While  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Lieutenant 
Warner  was  sent  home  to  recruit  for  the  company,  and  suc 
ceeded  in  taking  quite  a  number  of  men  with  him  when  he 
rejoined  his  regiment  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  in  November, 
1801.  The  company,  however,  never  received  its  full  com- 

448 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  E— OFFICERS.  449 

plement  of  men  until  the  return  of  the  regiment  from  South 
Carolina  on  its  "  veteran  furlough." 

James  H.  Hooker  was  one  of  the  principal  organizers  at 
the  first  attempt  at  the  formation  of  a  company,  and  he  it 
was  who  bestowed  the  name  of  the  "Florence  Kifles."  He 
did  but  little  active  service  in  recruiting,  but  furnished  con 
siderable  money  for  the  purpose.  Lewis  T.  Whipple,  who 
had  picked  up  some  knowledge  of  the  "  Scott  tactics,"  was 
the  principal  drill -master. 

At  the  election  for  officers  held  at  Camp  Mather, 
Chicago,  James  H.  Hooker  was  elected  Captain;  Lewis  T. 
Whipple  First  Lieutenant;  and  Norman  C.  Warner  Second 
Lieutenant. 

Company  E  was  noticeable  from  the  fact  that  the 
majority  of  its  members  were  below  the  average  stature  of 
men,  and  there  were  many  mere  boys  in  the  ranks;  but  what 
was  lacking  in  this  respect  was  more  than  compensated  for 
in  their  soldierly  spirit  and  behavior. 

At  the  time  General  Jackson  made  his  raid  on  the  Union 
troops  stationed  on  the  line  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  rail 
road  at  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  and  other  points,  Company  E 
was  stationed  at  Sir  John's  Eun,  some  six  miles  distant  from 
Alpine,  and  held  that  place  for  the  period  of  six  hours 
against  a  brigade  of  the  enemy,  thus  preventing  their  en 
trance  into  Maryland  at  that  point.  It  took  a  prominent 
part  in  all  of  the  battles  and  skirmishes  with  the  enemy  that 
the  regiment  participated  in,  and  acquitted  itself  most  gal 
lantly  and  heroically,  as  the  record  shows. 


EOSTER  OF  COMPANY  E. 

Captain    James    H.    Hooker.     Commissioned   August  12th,   1861. 
Resigned  May  26th,  1862. 

James  H.  Hooker  was  born  at  Rochester,  New  York,  June  23d,  1832. 
The  family  consisted  of  the  father,  Alexander  A.  Hooker,  mother,  James, 
and  six  girls.  His  father  served  in  the  War  of  1812  against  the  Indians, 

29 


450  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

and  in  Canada,  participating  in  the  battles  of  Lundy's  Lane  and  Queens- 
town  Heights.  He  married  late  in  life,  and  died  when  James  was  only 
fourteen  years  of  age,  and  upon  him  devolved,  to  a  great  extent,  the  sup 
port  of  the  family.  He  entered  the  nursery  business,  and  travelled  exten 
sively  through  the  Western  States  selling  trees,  after  which  he  bought  a 
farm  near  Wilmington,  111.,  and  gave  his  attention  to  farming. 

When  the  war  broke  out  he  gave  his  attention  to  raising  a  company, 
which  afterwards  became  known  as  Company  E  of  the  Thirty -Ninth  Illinois 
Infantry,  of  which  he  became  the  Captain,  serving  as  such  with  distinguished 
ability  and  bravery  up  to  the  time  that  his  resignation  was  offered  by 
reason  of  ill-health. 

The  Captain  .is  now  living  at  or  near  Rochester,  New  York,  engaged 
in  his  old  business.  * 

Captain    Lewis    T.    Whipple.     Promoted,  vice   Hooker,  resigned. 

Mustered  out  October  25th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  his  term  of  service. 

Stephen  R.  Moore,  Esq.,  of  Kankakee,  111.,  contributes  the  following: 

Lewis  T.  Whipple  was  born  in  Miamisburgh,  Ohio,  on  January  24th, 
1840,  and  died  in  the  city  of  Kankakee,  Illinois,  on  April  24th,  1870.  He 
came  from  a  pure  New  England  Puritan  stock.  His  father,  Ethan  Allen 
Whipple,  and  Martha,  his  mother,  emigrated  from  Vermont,  and  were 
pioneers  in  the  settlement  of  the  Miami  Valley,  Ohio;  and  from  them  he  in 
herited  a  manly  physique,  and  a  robust  honesty,  which  traits  distinguished 
him  in  the  active  battle  of  life. 

In  1852  he  came  with  his  parents  to  the  Kankakee  Valley,  and  his 
youth  was  spent  on  the  farm,  and  he  received  such  education  from  the  dis 
trict  school  as  was  common  to  the  Illinois  pioneers.  But  in  his  mother  he 
had  a  better  teacher  than  the  undeveloped  common  schools  could  furnish, 
and  at  his  majority  we  find  him  possessed  of  far  more  than  average  educa 
tional  attainments.  His  mother  was  preparing  him  to  enter  upon  the 
study  of  the  law.  He  lacked  but  a  few  days  of  his  majority  when  the 
nation  was  thrilled  with  the  news  that  Sumter  had  fallen.  The  Kankakee 
Valley  was  ablaze  with  excitement.  The  sturdy  sons  of  her  patriot  sires 
solemnly  swore  to  avenge  this  insult  to  the  flag. 

Among  the  first  to  enlist  was  Lewis  T.  Whipple,  who  entered  the  ser 
vice  as  a  private,  and  by  meritorious  promotions  he  was  soon  advanced  to 
the  Captaincy  of  his  company.  A  better  soldier,  a  purer  patriot,  and  a 
more  manly  man,  never  left  the  farm  home  for  the  soldier  life.  The  writer 
of  this  sketch  knew  Captain  Whipple  from  boyhood  up  to  the  time  he 
closed  his  eyes  in  death,  and  knows  whereof  he  speaks.  He  served  his 
country  with  fidelity;  in  all  things  he  was  a  dutiful  son;  he  was  a  kind, 
loving  husband;  and  being  all  these,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  that  he 
was  a  faithful  Christian.  In  honor  of  his  memory  the  Grand  Army  of 

*NOTE. — The  writer  received  a  lengthy  communication  from  Captain  Hooker,  de 
scriptive  of  his  military  services  and  containing  a  number  of  pleasing  incidents,  but  it 
came  too  late  to  be  made  use  of  in  its  proper  place,  which  is  to  be  regretted. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— OFFICERS.  45 1 

Kankakee  has  named  its  Post  after  him,  and  the  old  soldiers  delight  to 
honor  his  memory.  He  was  engaged  on  many  battle-fields.  His  regiment 
was  in  the  famous  retreat  of  General  McClellan  from  before  Richmond. 
He  told  the  writer  that  after  a  day  of  terrible  battle,  when  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Regiment  had  borne  the  brunt  of  the  conflict,  they  called  the  roll  of  officers 
of  the  regiment,  and  but  five  were  living  to  answer  to  their  names.  The 
balance  of  the  officers  and  many  brave  privates  had  givenjip  their  lives  that 
the  flag  might  live.  He  told  me  they  were  utterly  broken  down  by  the 
loss  of  so  many  brave  and  loving  companions,  and  they  cried  and  sobbed 
like  little  children,  as  they  contemplated  the  dreadful  loss  they  had  sus 
tained,  and  the  tears  came  to  his  eyes  as  he  narrated  these  trying  events. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  he  determined  to  pursue  his  plan  of  life  that 
was  broken  off  when  he  enlisted  in  the  army,  and  entered  the  writer's  law 
office  as  a  student,  and  so  well  did  he  apply  himself  to  the  study  of  the  law, 
that  he  passed  a  handsome  examination,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
the  early  part  of  1867. 

December  18th,  1867,  he  was  united  in  marriage  at  Kankakee  to  Miss 
Nellie  Stiles,  a  most  estimable  and  amiable  young  lady.  They  had  a  beau 
tiful  home  life.  Shortly  after  the  marriage  Captain  Whipple's  health 
began  to  fail.  He  had  repeatedly  told  the  writer  that  he  feared  the  effect 
of  the  terrific  cannonading  to  which  he  was  subjected  in  the  memorable 
seven  days'  retreat  with  McClellan.  That  his  brain  function  was  injured 
thereby  admits  of  no  doubt,  and  the  effect  of  it  became  painfully  apparent 
to  his  intimate  friends  in  1868  or  1869,  and  it  grew  on  him  in  severity  until 
his  life  went  out  in  April,  1870.  When  we  think  of  the  possibilities  which 
lay  before  him,  we  regret  that  he  could  not  have  lived  to  a  ripened  old  age, 
his  powers  unfolding  with  unfolding  time, 

"Till,  like  ripe  fruit,  he  dropped 
Into  his  mother's  lap;  or  was  with  ease 
Gathered,  not  harshly  plucked,  for  death  mature," 

rather  than  that  his  life  should  have  gone  out  in  the  spring-time  of  its 
splendor. 

But  the  Father,  who  doeth  all  things  well,  called  him  to  his  eternal 
home,  where  he  will  live  forever  and  for  aye. 

"  There  is  no  death 
To  the  living  soul,  nor  loss,  nor  harm." 

Captain  Minor  W.  Mill iman.  Promoted  vice  Whipple,  "  mustered 
out/'  Promoted  Major  June  6th,  1865,  vice  Plimpton,  promoted. 

Captain  John  L.  Ripple.  Entered  the  service  from  Orbisonia, 
Pa.  Was  promoted  Captain  vice  Milliman,  promoted,  but  could  not 
muster.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment. 

Nothing  is  known  of  Captain  Ripple  since  he  left  the  service.     It  has 
been  mentioned  that  he  is  living  somewhere  in  Pennsylvania. 

First  Lieutenant  John  L.  Ripple.  Promoted  Captain  June  6th, 
1865,  vice  Milliman,  promoted. 


452  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

First  Lieutenant  Norman  C.  Warner.  Promoted  May  26th, 
1862.  Breveted  Major  of  Volunteers  for  meritorious  conduct  after 
the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864.  Discharged  for  disa 
bility  (loss  of  leg)  December  15th,  1864. 

Lieutenant  Warner  was  wounded  August  16th,  1864,  by  a  bullet  from 
the  enemy  while  pressing  forward  with  the  colors  of  the  regiment  which  he 
had  taken  from  the  hands  of  the  wounded  Color-Sergeant,  Henry  Har- 
denburgh,  of  Company  G.  His  leg  was  so  badly  shattered  that  amputation 
became  necessary.  For  his  heroic  conduct  on  that  occasion  he  was  pro 
moted  to  Major  of  U.  S.  Volunteers  by  "brevet"  and  honorably  discharged 
from  the  service  December  15th,  1864.  During  his  service  he  acceptably 
filled  several  positions,  the  most  important  of  which  were  those  of  acting 
Adjutant  and  Regimental  Quartermaster.  He  also  at  one  time  commanded 
the  Requa  Battery  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C. 

Major  Warner  was  born  at  Lima,  Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
came  with  his  father's  family  to  Will  county,  Illinois,  in  the  year  1849. 
After  the  war  he  received  a  Government  clerkship  in  the  Quartermaster 
General's  Department  at  Washington,  holding  the  position  for  several 
years,  pursuing  in  the  meanwhile  a  law  course  of  study  in  Columbia  Col 
lege,  being  admitted  to  the  bar  in  the  District  of  Columbia  in  1868.  In 
June,  1869,  he  went  to  Rockford,  111.,  and  opened  an  office  for  the  practice 
of  his  profession,  to  which  he  is  devoted,  never  having  held  office  except 
that  of  City  Attorney,  to  which  he  was  elected  in  1881  and  1883.  He  was 
married  in  March,  1879,  to  Edith  Canmann,  and  together  they  live  very 
happily.  They  have  no  children. 

The  Major  entered  the  army  as  a  Douglas  Democrat  and  remained  a 
War  Democrat  to  the  close  of  the  contest,  sympathizing  with  President 
Johnson  in  his  conflict  with  Congress.  In  1880  he  was  the  congressional 
standard-bearer  of  his  party  in  the  Fourth  Illinois  District,  and  was  the 
recipient  of  all  the  honors  that  the  Democracy  of  Will  county  could 
bestow. 

In  times  past  Major  Warner  wielded  a  vigorous  pen  in  political  war 
fare,  but  he  has  now  eschewed  all  politics  and  confines  himself  strictly  to 
his  professional  duties,  and  in  consequence  is  rising  day  by  day  to  an 
enviable  reputation  and  a  lucrative  business.  As  a  law  student  he  was 
attentive  and  industrious;  as  a  practitioner  he  is  forcible,  energetic  and 
reliable;  as  a  soldier  he  was  brave  and  conscientious  in  the  performance 
of  duty,  and  as  a  man  he  was  honored  and  respected — possessing  a  genial 
nature  that  is  attractive  and  wins  confidence  and  friends.  He  is  a  member 
of  Nevin's  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  in  Rockford,  111.,  and  is  "  wont  to  set  the  table  in 
a  roar  "  with  some  of  his  war  experiences. 

First  Lieutenant  William  Baxter.  Was  wounded  May  16th, 
1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  through  both  thighs,  and  was 
taken  prisoner.  He  was  a  patient  in  the  Pemberton  hospital  at  Rich 
mond;  was  exchanged  August  13th,  1864.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— OFFICERS.  453 

Second   Lieutenant   Norman    C.   Warner.    Promoted   First 

Lieutenant  May  26th,  1862,  vice  Whipple,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  John  Conley.    Resigned  August  8th,  1862. 

John  Conley  was  born  of  Irish  parents  in  the  city  of  London,  Eng 
land,  March  19th,  1838.  His  parents  crossed  the  Atlantic  four  years  later, 
and  settled  for  a  time  in  Toronto,  Canada,  then  removed  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
and  from  there,  in  the  year  1849,  they  found  their  way  to  Wilmington.  111. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  received  a  fair  country-school  education,  after 
which  he  became  a  brickmaker  and  builder. 

The  stormy  days  of  Secession  early  in  1861  found  young  Conley 
at  Natchez,  Miss.,  with  a  gang  of  mechanics.  The  spirit  of  Secession  was 
rampant  in  that  region,  and  enlistments  were  rapid  and  numerous  for  the 
Confederate  army.  South  Carolina  had  already  seceded  and  the  Mississip- 
pians  swore  that  they  would  not  stand  idly  by  and  see  their  sister  State 
whipped  into  the  Union.  Young  Conley,  more  outspoken  than  discreet, 
expressed  his  Union  sentiments  openly,  and  at  a  drill  meeting  sarcasti 
cally  remarked,  "  Yes,  learn  to  '  about  face '  by  all  means.  You'll  have  need 
of  it  before  long."  Conley  was  spotted  that  very  night.  A  friend  warned 
him  of  his  danger,  and  within  two  days  he  had  shaven  off  his  whiskers, 
donned  a  Sunday  suit  and  silk  hat  and  gotten  north  of  Mason  and  Dixon's 
line  in  safety.  Ere  many  months  he  was  active  in  recruiting  for  the  "Flor 
ence  Rifles,"  which  afterward  became  Company  E  of  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois.  At  the  company  election  he  was  chosen  Orderly  Sergeant.  He 
delighted  in  drilling  the  company,  and  it  may  truthfully  be  said  that  he 
was  very  popular  with  his  company,  and  his  superiors  in  rank.  He  was 
promoted  Second  Lieutenant  vice  Warner,  promoted,  and  proved  a  capa 
ble  and  efficient  officer. 

But  in  all  these  experiences,  that  insidious  foe,  consumption,  was 
assaulting  the  young  soldier's  life.  His  haemorrhages  from  the  lungs  at  Sir 
John's  Run,  and  at  Williamsport,  were  frequent  and  frightful,  and  with 
great  reluctance  he  was  forced  to  resign  his  commission  and  go  home  to 
die.  He  was  an  invalid  for  the  next  four  years.  ';  I've  only  got  the  ghost 
of  a  chance  to  live  longer,"  said  he  in  July,  1867,  "  and  I'm  going  to  take 
advantage  of  the  ghost;  I'm  going  to  California."  He  went  (by  water), 
and  survived  but  a  fortnight  after  his  arrival,  dying  August  19th,  1867,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-nine  years  and  seven  months.  He  is  buried  at  Wilming 
ton,  111.,  near  the  regimental  monument  in  Oakwood  Cemetery. 

Second  Lieutenant  Elisha  Kingsbury.  Wounded  May  16th, 
1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  in  the  arm,  which  shattered 
the  bone  so  severely  that  amputation  became  necessary.  Mustered 
out  of  service  October  16th,  1864,  by  reason  of  disability. 

Lieutenant  Kingsbury  while  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  was  detached 
from  his  company  to  the  Requa  Battery,  serving  with  Lieutenant  WTheeler. 
He  was  an  excellent  soldier  and  made  a  popular  officer.  When  last  heard 
from  he  was  living  at  lola,  Kansas. 


454  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Second    Lieutenant  George   A.    Clark.    Could   not   muster. 

Mustered  out  as  Sergeant  December  6th,  1865. 
Nothing  further  is  known  of  Lieutenant  Clark. 

First  Sergeant  John  Conley.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  Sep 
tember  24th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  May  26th,  1862, 
vice  Warner,  promoted. 

Sergeant  Elisha  KingSbury.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  Sep 
tember  12th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  January  23d,  1863, 
vice  Conley,  resigned.  Veteran. 

Sergeant  John  L.  Ripple.  Enlisted  October  28th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  to  Sergeant  January  16th,  1862.  Captured  May  9th,  1862,  near 
Columbia  Bridge,  Va.  Taken  to  Libby  prison,  Richmond;  thence  to 
Salisbury,  N.  C.;  and  then  to  Belle  Isle,  Va.  Paroled  September  13th, 
1862.  Taken  prisoner  again  May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.,  and  sent  to  Andersonville,  Ga.  Paroled  at  Savannah 
November  19th,  1864.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  vice  Warner,  mus 
tered  out. 

Sergeant  William  E.  Steele.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October 
2d,  1861.  Promoted  January  16th,  1862,  from  the  ranks.  Killed 
October  13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads.  (See 
account  of  that  battle.) 

Sergeant  David  M.  Hanson.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  Sep 
tember  12th,  1861.  Promoted  January  16th,  1862.  Taken  prisoner 
May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  by 
reason  of  wounds  received  at  a  railway  accident  in  transportation, 
October  22d,  1864. 

Corporal  T.  D.  Gronigal.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September 
12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  May  9th,  1863.  Wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Died  June  9th,  1864,  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  from  his  wounds. 

Corporal  William  Brown.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September 
27th,  1861.  Veteran.  Was  detailed  to  the  regimental  band. 

Corporal  John  W.  Whitman.  Enlisted  from  Concord  Septem 
ber  28th,  1861.  Mustered  out  September  27th  1864,  at  expiration  of 
service. 

Corporal  William  Baxter.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September 
12th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  November  1st,  1864;  to 
First  Sergeant  January  1st,  1865;  to  First  Lieutenant  June  6th,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Corporal  George  W.  Burton.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  Sep 
tember  20th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  in  both  thighs  August  16th, 
1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Promoted  Sergeant  November  1st,  1864. 
Killed  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 


PRIVATES. 

Andreas,  William.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  September  1st,  1861. 
Wounded  October  3d,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Discharged  May 
16th,  1864,  for  disability. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  E— PRIVATES.  455 

Anderson,  Alex.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1865.  Killed  April  2d, 
1865,  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Axtell,  Theodore  F.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  February  27th,  1864. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.,  and  at 
Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal 
April  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Blakesley,   Samuel   C.     Enlisted    from    Durham    September    18th, 

1861.  Deserted. 

Baker,  Lawrence.  Enlisted  September  18th,  1861.  Veteran.  WTound- 
ed  May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Taken  prisoner, 
and  died  June  9th,  1864,  at  Richmond,  Va. 

Bogart,  Walter.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  17th,  1861. 
Killed  October  12th,  1863,  at  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C. 

Button,  Lorenz.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  2d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  in  1862.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

BentOn,  Silas.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  August  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Killed  May  14th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va, 

Barton,   Samuel   A.     Enlisted   from    Bloomington,   December    16th, 

1862.  Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

BabCOCk,  Ralph.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  8th,  1864.  Wounded 
October  7th,  1864,  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.  Killed  April  2d,  1865,  at 
the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Batchelder,   Samuel   C.     Enlisted  from  Wilmington  December  21st, 

1863.  Discharged  June  3d,  1865,  under  order  of  War  Department. 

Bohmler,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  26th,  1864. 
Discharged  June  20th,  1865. 

Beam,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  from  Gaines  April  13th,  1865,  at  the 
age  of  fifteen  years. 

Beam  endeavored  to  get  into  the  service  earlier,  but  could  not  on 
account  of  his  age.  He  joined  the  regiment  at  Richmond,  Va.;  did  guard 
duty  at  Richmond  and  City  Point,  Va.;  was  detailed  as  a  messenger 
for  the  telegraph  service  at  Norfolk.  After  leaving  the  service  he  attended 
a  select  school  for  six  months,  after  which  he  decided  to  become  a  printer 
and  entered  the  office  of  the  Joliet  Republican.  In  1869  he  went  to  Chicago 
to  work  for  Rand,  McNally  &  Co.  In  1876  he  went  to  Will  county,  111.,  to 
run  a  farm  belonging  to  his  father.  A  little  practical  experience  in  farm 
ing  soon  changed  his  notions,  and  in  1878  he  returned  to  his  trade,  which 
he  has  followed  since  and  is  now  with  Rand,  McNally  &  Co.,  Chicago,  111. 

Baldwin,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  September  28th,  1861, 
under  the  name  of  Charles  Creamer,  in  order  to  elude  his  guardian 
and  get  into  the  service.  Discharged  September  18th.  1862,  for  dis 
ability.  Is  living  at  Lawndale,  near  Chicago. 

Brown,  William  A.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Baker,  Levi.  Enlisted  April  13th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 


456  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Cannon,  John.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  21st,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Discharged  November  20th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Conley,  James.     Enlisted  October  28th,  1861.     Deserted. 

Casey,  John.  Enlisted  March  llth,  1864.  Joined  the  regiment  at 
Camp  Grant,  Arlington  Heights,  Va.  Was  promoted  Corporal.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Verona,  111. 

Clark,  James.  Enlisted  from  Channahon  December  22d,  1863.  Killed 
August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Kun,  Va. 

Corbett,  Frank  M.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1864.  Wounded  May 
20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 
(His  name  in  the  Adjutant-General's  report  is  John  M.) 

Clark,  George  A.  Enlisted  from  Sheldon  September  28th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  February  25th,  1863;  to  Sergeant  January 
1st,  1865;  to  Second  Lieutenant  October  6th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Cubberly,  William  C.  Enlisted  April  4th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
May  27th,  1865. 

Dagan,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  25th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded,  and  supposed  killed,  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle 
of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads. 

Dugan,  Michael.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  2d,  1861.  De 
serted  October,  1861. 

Daily,  John.     Enlisted  October  2d,  1861.     Deserted  October,  1861. 

Dunn,  George  H.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  October  6th,  1861. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Ab 
sent  from  company  since  that  date.  Supposed  to  have  deserted. 

Dannable,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  March  2d,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  neck  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Dis 
charged  by  Order  94,  War  Department. 

Dunham,  Gideon.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Ely,  William  W.  Enlisted  from  Concord  September  28th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Company  F  as  musician  January  1st,  1864. 

Ely  enlisted  in  the  Tenth  Indiana  Volunteers  for  the  three  months' 
service;  served  then  in  West  Virginia,  under  McClellan  and  Rosencrans; 
and  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Rich  Mountain,  July  llth,  1862;  was  also 
wounded  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  by  a  fragment  of  shell  while  on  detail 
with  the  Requa  Battery.  He  re-enlisted  as  veteran,  and  was  again  wounded 
at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  while  helping  a  wounded  man  off  the  field.  Ely 
was  born  at  Lithopolis,  Fairfield  county,  Ohio,  August  26th,  1845,  and  was 
only  fifteen  years  of  age- when  he  first  entered  the  service.  He  served  alto 
gether  four  years  and  seven  months,  and  had  not  yet  attained  his  majority. 
He  did  excellent  service  in  whatever  position  he  was  placed,  and  especially 
in  the  stretcher  corps  on  the  field  of  battle.  At  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  he  with 
William  H.  Brown  carried  Major  Linton  off  the  field  under  many  difficul 
ties,  and  came  very  near  being  captured  by  the  enemy,  who  had  already 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— PRIVATES.  457 

got  between  them  and  our  troops.     He  is  living  at  Iroquois,  111.,  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  law. 

Ely  relates  that  when  he  left  the  service  in  December,  1865,  he  went 
into  the  ministry,  and  on  one  occasion,  while  on  his  way  to  fill  an  appoint 
ment  to  preach,  he  met  with  a  couple  of  rough  characters  who  commenced 
to  jeer  and  scoff  at  him;  and  forgetting  all  about  his  position  and  the 
sacred  work  he  was  engaged  in,  he  got  down  from  the  horse  he  was  riding, 
jerked  off  his  coat  and  whipped  both  of  the  rowdies,  and  so  badly,  too, 
that  they  required  help  to  remount  their  steeds.  He  then  went  on  and 
filled  his  appointment;  but  afterwards,  in  thinking  over  the  disgraceful 
affair,  he  became  so  filled  with  remorse  and  regret  as  well  as  ashamed  of 
his  hasty  and  unministerial  conduct,  that  he  left  the  ministry  and  turned 
his  attention  to  the  law,  where  if  the  "  old  Adam  "  in  him  ever  manifested 
itself  it  would  be  more  in  harmony  with  his  profession,  and  better  appre 
ciated. 

Evans,  Joseph  S.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  December  21st,  1863. 
Wounded  in  the  neck  August  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run, 
Va.  Promoted  to  Corporal  January  1st,  1865,  and  to  Sergeant  May 
31st,  1865.  Detailed  as  acting  Commissary  Sergeant,  which  position 
he  filled  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  superiors.  Subsequently 
was  detailed  as  acting  Sergeant  Major.  Finally  he  was  promoted  to 
Commissary  Sergeant  vice  Frisbie.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Elick,  Joseph.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Flynn,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  28th,  1861.  Died 
January  10th,  1864,  at  Beaufort,  S.  C. 

Flowers,  Andrew  J.  Enlisted  from  Sheldon,  September  28th,  1861. 
Deserted  in  October,  1861. 

Flowers,   Lewis.     Enlisted  October  17th,  1864.     Discharged  October 

18th,  1865. 

Finley,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Jefferson  county  April  4th,  1865. 
Discharged  May  27th,  1865. 

Gillett,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  November  13th,  1861.  Died 
February,  1862,  in  hospital. 

Gillett,  James.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  November  13th,  1861.  Wounded 
May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  of  wounds 
August  17th,  1864. 

Grice,   Daniel   S.     Enlisted  October  15th,  1861.     (Record  imperfect). 

Gray,  Alexander.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  6th,  1861. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Veteran. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hertzog,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  September  20th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  November  16th,  1864. 

Harsh,  J.  O.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  September  27th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  September  27th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 


458  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Hudson,  Charles  C.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  17th, 
18(51.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  in  1864.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Hudson  is  living  at  Hegewisch,  111.,  engaged  in  the  market   business, 
and  lately  received  the  appointment  of  postmaster. 

Hertzog,  William  F.  Enlisted  from  Rockville,  September  20th, 
1861.  Wounded  in  thigh  May  20th,  1864.  Killed  June  18th,  1864,  near 
Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Howell,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  2d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  (date  unknown). 

Hawath,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  2d,  1861.  Deserted 
in  February,  1862. 

Howe,  Calvin  H.  Enlisted  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  2d,  1861. 
Deserted  January  30th,  1862. 

Howe,  Hermann  H.  Enlisted  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  26th, 
1861.  Deserted  January  30th,  1862. 

Hademan,  M.  V.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  November  13th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  Church,  Va.,  and 
April  9th,  1865,  at  Appomattox  Court-House,  Va.,  being  one  of  the 
last  men  to  be  wounded  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Hartman,  George.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Discharged  May 
3d,  1865. 

Hayworth,  George.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Taken  prisoner 
April  9th,  1865,  at  Appomattox  Court-House;  paroled  the  same  day. 
One  of  the  last  men  to  be  captured  by  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Howell,  George.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  December  31st,  1863. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  and  side  October  13th,  1864;  hand  was  ampu 
tated.  Discharged  March  30th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Hull,  Samuel  F.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  27th,  1864.  De 
tailed  to  the  regimental  band.  Is  living  at  Morris,  111. 

Hazzard,  Monroe.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  24th,  1864.  Was 
on  detached  service  for  a  long  period  as  Orderly  to  General  Osborn 
and  others.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111.,  engaged  in  the  saloon 
business. 

Ingleman,  Augustus.  Enlisted  from  Cicero  March  7th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Jewett,  William  O.  L.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  September  12th,  1861. 
Jewett  was  one  of  the  first  to  enlist  and  enter  Camp  Mather,  Chicago; 
was  soon  sent  back  to  his  old  home  on  recruiting  service.  In  July,  1862, 
he  was  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  very  much  broken  in 
health.  On  recovery,  was  sent  to  Rhode  Island,  remaining  there  until 
discharged  from  the  service,  June  6th,  1863.  He  is  a  native  of  Maine.  His 
grandparents  on  both  sides  participated  in  the  Revolutionary  struggle. 
During  his  infancy  his  parents  removed  to  Will  county,  Illinois.  There  he 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— PRIVATES.  459 

grew  to  manhood  on  a  farm.  He  acquired  much  of  his  education  at  home 
but  completed  it  at  Aurora  Seminary,  Illinois. 

After  Jewett  left  the  regiment  he  took  up  the  study  of  law  with  Judge 
Parks  of  Joliet,  but  again  became  impatient  to  participate  in  the  war,  and 
re-enlisted  at  Camp  Butler,  111.,  and  was  sent  to  Memphis  in  command  of 
five  hundred  substitutes.  Returning  from  Memphis  he  was  sent  to  New 
York,  and  from  there  to  Savannah  with  the  First  Illinois  Artillery,  to  join 
Sherman's  army.  From  New  York  to  Savannah  he  was  on  the  boat  with 
General  Logan  which  was  chased  by  the  rebel  privateer,  the  famous  "  Tal 
lahassee."  He  remained  with  Sherman  until  the  surrender,  participated 
in  the  grand  review  at  Washington,  and  returned  home. 

Entering  the  Michigan  University  at  Ann  Arbor,  he  graduated  in 
1866,  and  in  1867  went  to  Shelbina,  Shelby  county,  Mo.,  and  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  the  law.  In  1870  he  stumped  the  county  for  the  Liberal  Repub 
lican  ticket  and  enfranchisement.  In  1876  he  was  elected  prosecuting 
attorney  and  two  years  later  re-elected.  In  1881  he  became  associated  with 
the  Shelbina  Democrat,  as  editor,  and  in  1886  was  elected  to  the  legislature 
on  the  Democratic  ticket.  In  1888  was  re-elected  with  a  largely  increased 
majority. 

Jackson,  Charles  A.  Enlisted  from  Florence  February  28th,  1864. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  and  arm  amputated.  Discharged  No 
vember  7th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Johnson,  James  M.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  26th,  1864. 
Detailed  to  the  regimental  band.  Is  living  at  Towsontown,  Maryland, 
clerking. 

Johnston,  Howard.  Enlisted  from  Channahon  March  9th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  suffered 
amputation  of  arm.  Discharged  November  21st,  1864,  for  disability. 
Is  living  at  Laclede,  Kansas. 

Kinney,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  2d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Discharged  June  20th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Karr,  Elisha.  Enlisted  from  Iroquois  county  October  28th,  1861. 
Killed  May  14th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

K  el  ley,  William  T.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  November  13th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1863;  to  Sergeant  March  1st,  1865.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Kelly,  John.  Enlisted  from  Orbisonia,  Pa.,  February  12th,  1862. 
Wounded  June  17th,  1864,  in  shoulder.  Promoted  Corporal  January 
1st,  1864.  Wounded  in  leg  and  side  August  16th,  1864.  Died  of 
wounds  October  31st,  1864,  in  hospital. 

Kahler,  Lloyd  W.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Kelly,  William.  Enlisted  February  21st,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Kelsey,  Albert.     Enlisted  March  30th,  1865.     Mustered  out  December 

6th,  1865. 


460  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Kitchens,  Chapman.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  Oth,  1865. 

Laugh  1  in,  John.  Enlisted  from  Huntington,  Pa.,  February  1st,  1862. 
Died  February  llth,  1862,  in  hospital,  of  typhoid  fever. 

Lyons,  Sydney.  Enlisted  from  Florence  September  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  jaw  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Lee,  DitSOn.  Enlisted  from  Essex  February  24th,  1864.  Taken  pris 
oner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  paroled  at  Savannah,  Ga., 
November  19th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Levally,  Charles  T.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  14th,  1864. 
Wounded  severely  in  the  right  foot  September  10th,  1864,  before 
Petersburgh,  Va.  Is  living  in  Chicago;  a  member  of  Weitzel  Post, 
G.  A.  R. 

Lansing,  John.  Enlisted  February  26th,  1865.  Deserted  August  5th, 
1865. 

Milliman,  M.  W.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  September  12th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Sergeant  May  26th,  1862;  First  Sergeant  January 
1st,  1863;  and  to  Captain  December  9th,  1864,  vice  Whipple,  mustered 
out. 

Milks,  Hermann.  Enlisted  from  Gardner  September  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  March  ls<t,  1865. 

Merrill,  Almon.  Enlisted  from  Florence  September  12th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  March  4th,  1864.  Wounded  May  16th, 
1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  of  wounds  July  16th,  1864,  in  hos 
pital. 

Monroe,  James.  Enlisted  from  Florence  September  17th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

McCollum,  Alex.  Enlisted  from  Gardner  September  14th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Company  A. 

Mayer,  Moses.  Enlisted  from  Florence  September  21st,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  thighs  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Morgan,  George  M.  Enlisted  from  Sheldon  September  25th,  1861. 
Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va; 
paroled  and  exchanged.  Mustered  out  February  2d,  1864,  at  expira 
tion  of  service. 

McMaster,  James.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  6th,  1861. 
Died  December  9th,  1861,  at  Williamsport,  Md. 

Musselman,  Ephraim.  Enlisted  from  Pittsburg,  October  28th, 
1861.  Died  October  16th,  1864,  of  typhoid  fever. 

Mahan,  John.  Enlisted  from  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  February  24th,  1861. 
Deserted  April  20th,  1862. 

Morey,  Oscar  R.  Enlisted  from  Florence  February  24th,  1864.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  May  16th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 
Is  living  at  Gilman,  111. 

Meyher,  Caleb.  Enlisted  January  13th,  1864.  Wounded  June  18th, 
1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— PRIVATES.  461 

Martin,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  March  8th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment  at  expiration  of  service  December  6th,  1865. 
Is  living  at  Gunnison,  Utah. 

Monroe,  John.  Enlisted  from  Florence  February  22d,  1864.  Wound 
ed  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Taken  prisoner 
April  9th,  1865;  paroled  same  day  at  Appomattox  Court-House,  Va. 
Discharged  April  26th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Idaho  City,  Idaho  Ter. 

Mallett,  Cyran.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  24th,  1864.  Wounded 
October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads.  Deserted  October  3d, 

1865. 

Miller,  William.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Mills,  Andrew  P.  Enlisted  from  Beaver  Creek  April  12th,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Nelson,  James  W.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  12th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1865.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Nelson  was  among  the  number  detached  from  the  company  to  rein 
force  Company  G  at  Great  Cacapon,  January  4th,  1862.  Is  a  sufferer  from 
rheumatism  which  originated  at  the  time  he  was  forced  to  wade  the  Poto 
mac  at  that  point.  Is  living  at  Rensselaer,  Ind. 

Nobles,  James  R.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  February  23d,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

O'Harra,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  March  1st,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Ohlhues,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Florence  February  23d,  1864. 
Severely  wounded  in  the  breast  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Killed  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Pennington,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Evanston  March  15th, 
1864.  Detailed  as  musician.  Was  the  company  bugler  at  Bermuda 
Hundred.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Doland, 
Dakota. 

Porter,  A.  C.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  2d,  1861.  Wounded 
May  20th,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  and  also  at  Darby- 
town  Cross-Roads  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  August 
16th,  1864,  and  Sergeant  June  1st,  1865.  Veteran.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Perry,  John  J.  Enlisted  April  24th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Rogers,  AlpheuS  W.  Enlisted  from  Wesley  December  31st,  1863. 
Wounded  in  hip  and  arm  May  14th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  arm 
amputated.  Discharged  October  20th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Robinson,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  6th, 
1861.  Is  reported  on  the  Company  rolls  as  a  deserter. 

Ripple,    William    B.     Enlisted   from    Orbisonia,   Pa.,    February    1st, 

1861.     Died  August  18th,  1862,  of  brain  fever. 

The  remains  were  sent  home  and  lie  buried  in  Monroe  Cemetery  at 
Huntington,  Pa. 


402  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Raleigh,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  17th, 
18(51.  Veteran.  Accidentally  wounded  in  March,  1864. 

Raleigh  is  living  at  Watson,  Atchison  county,  Mo.,  engaged  in  rail 
roading. 

Shade,  Abraham.  Enlisted  February  12th,  1862.  Deserted  in  Sep 
tember,  1862. 

Sackett,  Edward  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  10th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Detailed  to  the  regimental  band. 

Sackett  was  a  traveling  drug-salesman  for  Merrell  &  Co.,  of  Cincin 
nati,  Ohio,  in  1873  and  was  living  somewhere  in  Missouri.  Not  heard  from 
since  that  time. 

Stearns,  F.  L.  Enlisted  September  27th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  May 
26th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.  (Not  mentioned  in  the  Adjutant  Gen 
eral's  report.) 

Sheffler,  M.  F.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  September  27th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  head  August  16th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Mus 
tered  out  September  27th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Sheffler  was  wounded  in  the  head  by  a  fragment  of  shell  which  caused 
depression  of  the  bone,  and  after  leaving  the  service  he  began  to  suffer 
from  the  effects  of  it.  In  1870  he  became  partly  paralyzed.  His  skull  was 
trephined  by  Dr.  Clark,  and  the  bone  raised,  getting  relief  for  a  time.  He 
submitted  to  a  second  operation,  but  died  soon  after,  in  1871. 

Snee,  Hugh  R.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  September  27th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  cheek  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va., 
and  taken  prisoner.  Escaped  from  Andersonville  prison  September 
22d,  1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Deselm,  111. 

Stewart,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  20th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle 
of  Darby  town  Cross-Roads,  Va.;  paroled,  and  died  in  hospital  at 
Annapolis,  Md. 

Smith,  Charles  M.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  20th,  1861. 
Discharged  February  14th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Sartell,  Henry  E.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1863.  WTounded  August  16th, 
1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Discharged  March  30th,  1865. 

SlaytOn,  Reuben.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  27th,  1864.  WTounded 
in  the  hand  May  20th,  1864.  Absent  from  his  company  since  that 
date. 

Slayton  has  been  a  prominent  officer  on  the  Chicago  police  force,  in 
the  detective  department.  Is  living  in  Chicago. 

Stanton,  William.  Enlisted  from  Rockville  February  24th,  1864. 
Was  detailed  as  Commissary  of  Subsistence. 

Sailor,  Randolph.  Enlisted  from  Bear  Creek  April  13th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

StOVal,  Eden.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Wounded  April  9th,  1865, 
at  Appomattox  Court-House,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  E— PRIVATES.  403 

Smith,  Samuel.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Thayer,  George.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  September  17th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Captured  September  2d,  1862,  at  Bull  Run,  Va.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

VandebOgart,  James.  Enlisted  from  Florence  February  22d,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Wayne,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  9th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Webber,  George  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  8th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  hand  October  7th,  1864;  finger  amputated.  Discharged 
August  21st,  1865,  by  order  War  Department. 

Walrath,  William.  Enlisted  March  24th,  1864.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Wilmington,  111. 

Wilson,  John  T.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Ware,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  September  14th,  1861.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  November  20th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Weiner,  John.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  October  6th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Discharged  November  20th,  1865,  for  disability.  (Winn,  in  Adjutant 
General's  report.) 

Whiteman,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Concord  September  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  27th,  1864,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Iro- 
quois,  111. 


464  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 11 

Died  of  wounds 5 

Wounded 41 

Lost  limbs 7 

Died  of  disease 7 

Died  in  prison 3 

Taken  prisoner 13 

Deserted 16 

Discharged  for  disability 25 

Transferred , 3 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 4 

Number  originally  enlisted 58 

Recruits 78 

Re-enlisted 42 

Mustered  out  with  regiment 59 

Known  to  be  living,  October,  1888 24 

NOTE.— The  Roster  of  Company  E  is  very  imperfect  in  the  Adjutant  General's 
report — names  mis-spelled,  omitted  and  transposed.  There  is  also  no  Roster  of  the  Ser 
geants  except  the  First  Sergeant. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 


Company  F — How  Recruited — Roster  and  Biography — Summary  of  Casual 
ties,  etc. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  F. 


T 


manner  of  recruiting  Company  F  was  not  unlike  that 
by  which  the  other  companies  were  brought  into  the 
service.  Orrin  L.  Mann  has  the  credit  of  enlisting  the  first 
body  of  men  who  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  company  which 
afterwards  took  the  letter  F  in  the  regiment.  He  was  very 
active  in  this  direction  until  he  aspired  to  the  position  of 
Major,  when  his  recruits  were  turned  over  to  Amasa  Kenni- 
cott,  who  continued  the  recruiting  and  was  elected  Captain. 
The  men  forming  the  company  were  principally  from  Cook, 
Lake,  and  McLean  counties,  and  mostly  farmers.  They 
were  a  fine  body  of  men  and  did  most  excellent  service 
during  the  war. 

The  company  history  runs  parallel  with  that  of  the 
regiment.  It  first  met  the  enemy  at  Alpine  Station,  Va.,  on 
January  4th,  1862,  being  the  most  advanced  company  at 
that  post  on  the  road  leading  to  Bath.  On  the  approach  of 
the  rebel  cavalry  from  Bath  this  company,  which  was  sta 
tioned  at  the  summit  of  the  mountain  road  from  Alpine,  fell 
back  until  it  joined  Company  A,  where  they  most  effectually 
routed  a  large  squadron  of  Ashby's  cavalry.  Forty  of  the 
original  members  re-enlisted  as  veteran  volunteers  at  Hilton 
Head,  S.,  C.  in  January,  1864,  and  forty-five  members  of  the 
company  returned  home  at  the  muster-out  of  the  regiment, 
of  which  number  twenty-six  are  known  to  be  living  in  vari 
ous  parts  of  the  country. 

30  465 


460  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain  Aniasa  Kemiicott  became  tired  of  the  "  pomp 
and  circumstance  of  war,"  resigning  his  position  in  August, 
1862.  He  was  succeeded  by  John  W.  Mclntosh,  who  was 
dismissed  from  the  service  early  in  1863.  Lieutenant  A.  B. 
Hoffman  was  then  promoted  to  the  vacancy,  but  left  the  ser 
vice  at  the  expiration  of  his  three  years'  term.  The  com 
pany  came  home  under  the  able  leadership  of  Captain  E.  S. 
Botsford. 

The  company  made  a  good  record,  and  the  surviving 
members  may  well  feel  a  just  pride  in  its  military  history. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  F. 

Captain    Amasa    KenniCOtt.     Commissioned    August    27th,    1861. 
Resigned  August  7th,  1862. 

Repeated  efforts  have  failed  to  awaken  Kennicott  to  a  realizing  sense 
of  what  was  required  of  him  in  order  to  make  his  record  complete.  He 
is  living  somewhere  in  Cook  county — some  say  "  The  Grove,"  others  that 
Oak  Glen  is  his  postoffice  address.  Letters  addressed  to  both  places 
have  no  response.  After  leaving  the  service  he  engaged  in  the  horticul 
tural  business  in  its  season,  and  taught  school  winters.  "  Brevity  is  the 
soul  of  wit." 

Captain  John    W.   MclntOSh.     Dismissed    from    the   service  May 
30th,  1863.     Is  living  at  Topeka,  Kansas. 

Captain  AdolphuS   B.   Hoffman.     Mustered  out  December  30th, 

1864. 

Nothing  whatever  is  known  concerning  the  whereabouts  of  the  Cap 
tain  since  he  left  the  service.  He  was  a  very  capable  officer  and  much 
respected  by  his  comrades. 

Captain     R.    S.     Botsford.     Commissioned   March   31st,    1865,  vice 
Hoffman,  mustered  out. 

Captain  Botsford  was  born  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  July,  1833,  and  came  West 
to  Waukegan,  Lake  county,  111.,  in  1854.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery  business,  but  sold  out  and  enrolled  his  name 
as  a  private  in  the  Seventeenth  Illinois  Volunteer  Cavalry;  but  before 
muster  he  was  offered  a  commission  as  Second  Lieutenant  in  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois,  provided  he  recruited  twenty-five  men  for  Company  F. 
This  he  accomplished  and  was  mustered  into  the  regiment  February  1st, 
1864,  when  the  regiment  was  at  Chicago  on  its  veteran  furlough. 

Botsford's  first  experience  in  confronting  the  enemy  was  at  Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.,  May  16th.  1864.  He  was  wounded  in  the  leg  June  20th,  at  the 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  F— OFFICERS.  467 

battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  by  a  fragment  of  shell.  He  was  taken  sick 
with  typhoid  fever  after  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864, 
and  was  sent  to  general  hospital  and  given  "leave  of  absence"  home  when 
able  to  travel.  He  reached  home  in  time  to  vote  for  Lincoln.  January 
1st,  1865,  he  received  his  commission  as  Captain  and  continuously  followed 
the  fortunes  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  until  the  final  muster-out.  Returning  to 
his  home  he  was  soon  elected  to  the  shrievalty  of  Lake  county  and  satis 
factorily  filled  the  office  for  the  term.  Afterwards  he  became  the  agent  of 
the  American  Express  Company  at  that  place.  In  1882  he  removed  with 
his  family  to  Huron,  Dakota,  where  he  now  resides. 

First  Lieutenant  John  W.  Mclntosh.  Commissioned  August 
7th,  1861.  Promoted  Captain  August  7th,  1862,  vice  Kennicott, 
resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  Patrick  Seary.    Resigned  July  8th,  1863. 

First  Lieutenant  R.  S.  Botsford.  Promoted  Captain  January 
1st,  1865. 

First    Lieutenant    William    T.   Moore.    Wounded   June   5th, 

1864,  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  in  the  right  shoulder.  Mustered  out  with 
the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

William  T.  Moore  was  born  in  England  January  20th,  1826,  and  emi 
grated  to  the  United  States  in  1848,  going  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.;  remained 
there  until  the  following  spring,  when  he  removed  to  Waukesha  county,  and 
from  there  to  Chicago,  and  was  engaged  in  contracting  for  public  works. 
When  the  war  commenced  he  was  occupied  at  ditching  in  Rock  Island 
county.  It  was  his  intention  to  have  enlisted  in  the  cavalry,  but  on  learn 
ing  that  his  brother  had  enlisted  in  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  he  changed 
his  purpose  and  also  enlisted  in  the  same  company  and  regiment,  and  has 
never  regretted  that  he  did  so.  He  re-enlisted  as  a  veteran  and  followed 
the  regiment  in  all  of  its  movements  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  now 
living  at  Rockton,  Winnebago  county,  111. 

First   Lieutenant  William   W.  Lamb.    Wounded  in  the  foot 

August  16th,  1864.     Killed  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Second    Lieutenant    Patrick    Seary.     Commissioned  August 

15th,  1861.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  August  7th,  1862,  vice  Mcln 
tosh,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  A.  B.  Hoffman.    Promoted  Captain  March 

30th,  1863,  vice  Mclntosh,  dismissed  the  service. 

Second  Lieutenant  Nathan  E.  Davis.    Wounded  in  the  side 

and  arm,  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads. 
Suffered  exsection  of  four  inches  of  the  bone  of  the  arm.  Died  of 
his  wounds  November  16th,  1864,  in  general  hospital. 

Second  Lieutenant  R.  S.  Botsford.  Commissioned  February 
1st,  1864.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  August  13th,  1864. 

First  Sergeant  A.  B.  Hoffman.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August 
12th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  August  1st,  1862. 


468  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Sergeant  William  J.  Abbott.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August 
12th,  18(51.  Discharged  August  27th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Sergeant  Patrick  Seary.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August  loth, 
18(51.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  November  15th,  1861. 

Sergeant  Barney  Mulvaney.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August 
13th,  1861.  Discharged  July  27th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Sergeant  John  P.  Ballard.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August 
12th.  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  April  1st,  1864.  Veteran.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Sergeant  Dwight  Preston.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  15th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  arm.  Discharged  June 
1st,  1865,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Goodings  Grove,  Illinois. 

Sergeant  William  W.  Lamb.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August 
15th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  April  1st.  1865. 

Sergeant  Nathan  E.  Davis.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  22d, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  August  5th,  1864. 

Sergeant  William  T.  Moore.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  May 
9th,  1865. 

Corporal  S.  W.  Hoffman.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August  27th, 
1861.  Promoted  to  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  and  on  August  5th, 
1864,  received  commission  as  First  Lieutenant  and  Regimental 
Quartermaster.  Veteran. 

Corporal  Dwight  Preston.  Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  December  7th,  1862. 

Corporal  William  W.  Lamb.  Enlisted  August  loth,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Sergeant  February  13th,  1862. 

Corporal    William    T.   Moore.     Promoted   Sergeant   August   5th, 


Corporal  Christopher  E.  Coursen.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval 
August  16th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  30th,  1862,  and  to 
Quartermaster  Sergeant  June  5th,  1865,  and  transferred  to  non-com 
missioned  staff.  Is  now  living  at  Coursen's  Grove,  Kansas.  (See 
Non-Commissioned  Staff.) 

Corporal  Nathan  E.  Davis.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  November  1st,  1862. 


PRIVATES. 

Arlt,  Otto.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  6th,  1861.  Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Bailey,  Robert.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  22d,  1861.  Veteran. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Fulton,  Ohio. 

Babbitt,  George  M.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  13th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
North  Platte,  Neb. 

Babbitt,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  4th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  F— PRIVATES.  469 

Baur,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Elgin  September  4th,  1861.  Mustered 
out  January,  1862. 

Brogan,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Benton,  Mo.,  October  15th,  1861. 
Discharged  December  18th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Brown,  George.  Enlisted  from  Saiidoval  August  15th,  1861.  De 
serted  April  18th,  1862. 

Barren,  Dallas.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  29th,  1863.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Burdick,  Charles  L.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  February  13th,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Burdick,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  February  13th,  1864.  Is 
dead. 

Bias,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  13th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  February  16th,  1862.  Wounded  May  20th  and 
August  16th,  1864.  (Is  Jno.  N.  Bras  in  the  Adjutant-General's  report.) 

Callahan,  Calvin.  Enlisted  August  lOth.  1861.  Veteran.  Taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  at  Andersonville 
prison  August  21st,  1864,  of  wounds. 

Carpenter,  Charles.  Enlisted  September  17th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  June  18th,  1864,  in  the  arm,  and  suffered  excision  of  about 
six  inches  of  the  bone.  Discharged  December  8th,  1864,  for  disabil 
ity  from  wounds. 

After  the  war  Carpenter  returned  to  Chicago,  married,  and  went  to 
work  as  gardener  and  teamster.  Later  on  he  became  connected  with  the 
street  cleaning  department  of  Chicago.  Is  living  on  Twelfth  street, 
Chicago. 

Conner,  Charles.  Enlisted  August  3d.  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded 
August  5th,  1864,  in  the  leg.  Taken  prisoner  August  16th,  1864,  at 
Deep  Kun,  Va. 

Cole,   Preston.     Enlisted  August  15th,  1861.     Died  January  4th,  1862. 

Crandall,  David  G.  Enlisted  August  24th,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  November  1st,  1862.  Wounded  May  16th  and  August 
16th,  1864. 

Casey,  James.  Enlisted  September  20th,  1861.  Discharged  October 
22d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Claire,  Hippolyte.  Enlisted  February  29th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
leg  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Is  living  at  Plato, 
Iroquois  county,  111.,  occupied  as  a  farmer. 

Campbell,  Samuel.  Enlisted  January  14th,  1864.  Wounded  June 
18th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Crabtree,  George  W.  Enlisted  April  4th,  1865.  Died  May  3d, 
1865,  in  corps  hospital  at  Richmond,  Va. 

Crabtree,  John  W.  Enlisted  April  4th,  1864.  Deserted  August  2d, 
1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Dewey,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  15th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Killed  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 


470  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Dickinson,  Joseph  W.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  5th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  15th,  1864.  Discharged  by 
reason  of  promotion  into  the  U.  S.  Colored  troops  in  April,  1864. 

Dickinson  was  detailed  for  duty  as  clerk  in  the  Regimental  Adjutant's 
office,  serving  until  December,  1861,  when  he  was  sent  back  to  Chicago  on 
recruiting  service,  where  he  remained  during  the  following  winter  and 
spring.  On  Folly  Island,  S.  C.,  he  was  detailed  to  the  Adjutant  General's 
office  of  General  Vogdes'  command,  then  to  General  Terry's,  and  later  to 
the  headquarters  of  General  Seymour.  He  re-enlisted  as  a  veteran  but  did 
not  accompany  the  regiment  on  its  furlough  home,  being  detached  to 
accompany  Seymour's  expedition  to  Florida.  April  23d,  1864,  he  was  com 
missioned  Captain  in  the  Twenty-First  Regiment  U.  S.  Colored  troops,  and 
was  on  duty  with  his  regiment  in  South  Carolina  until  detached  and  placed 
on  the  staff  of  Brigadier-General  Schimmilfinnig  as  acting  Assistant  Adju 
tant-General,  serving  until  the  final  capture  and  occupation  of  the  city  of 
Charleston.  He  was  then  ordered  to  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  with  his  regiment, 
where  he  was  detailed  as  provost-marshal  of  the  military  post  and  district. 
April  25th,  1866,  he  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  service  with  the 
Colored  troops  and  was  commissioned  a  Second  Lieutenant  in  the  Seven 
teenth  U.  S.  Infantry  with  rank  from  May  llth,  1866,  and  joined  his 
regiment  at  Austin,  Texas.  June  llth,  1868,  he  was  promoted  to  First 
Lieutenant  in  the  Twenty-Sixth  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  was  appointed  District 
Attorney  of  the  Twelfth  Judicial  District,  State  of  Texas,  by  military  order 
from  headquarters  Fifth  Military  District,  Brevet  Major-General  Reynolds 
commanding,  and  served  as  such  until  the  final  surrender  of  the  State  to 
the  civil  authorities.  He  resigned  his  commission  in  the  U.  S.  army  and 
was  honorably  discharged  December  31st,  1870,  when  he  was  commissioned 
by  the  Governor  of  Texas  District  Attorney  for  the  Thirty-third  Judicial 
District  and  served  until  April,  1872;  was  also  commissioned  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  of  the  Texas  State  Guards,  and  served  with  the  troops  during  the 
existence  of  martial  law  in  the  State.  In  June,  1872,  he  returned  to  his 
former  home  in  Chicago,  111.,  and  turned  his  attention  to  the  study  of 
elocution,  having  decided  upon  that  as  a  profession.  After  many  years  of 
patient,  persistent  effort  the  struggle  with  adverse  circumstances  has  cul 
minated  in  success,  and  his  reputation  throughout  the  Northwest  as  a 
public  reader  and  teacher  of  elocution  is  as  gratifying  as  it  is  well  deserved. 
His  new  field  of  operations  in  St.  Paul  and  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  responds 
gratefully  to  his  culture  with  flowers  instead  of  weeds,  and  he  gathers  figs 
instead  of  thistles.  His  address  is  13  Ninth  street,  South  Minneapolis, 
Minnesota. 

Deviney,  Philip  S.  Enlisted  October  28th,  1861.  Veteran.  Killed 
April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Den  line,  John.     Enlisted  February  28th,  1864. 
Denline,  John,  Jr.     Enlisted  February  12th,  1864. 
Dobner,  Henry.     Enlisted  February  29th,  1864. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  F— PRIVATES.  471 

Danely,  Henry.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1864.  Wounded  October 
13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Discharged  May  27th, 
1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Douglas,  Aaron.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1864.  Wounded  September 
16th,  1864,  in  the  breast,  and  again  wounded  October  7th,  1864,  in  the 
arm.  Died  May  llth,  1865,  from  wounds. 

Drake,  John  C.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal 
March  1st,  1865.  Is  living  at  Wood  River,  Neb. 

Davis,  Charles  O.  Enlisted  December  17th,  1863.  Veteran  recruit. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Dabner,  Leonard.  Enlisted  January  28th,  1864.  Taken  prisoner 
May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Paroled,  and  died  December 
12th,  1864,  from  disease. 

Eigner,  Lewis.  Enlisted  August  28th,  1861.  Mustered  out  September 
10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Ellis,  William.  Enlisted  September  10th,  1861.  Mustered  out  Sep 
tember  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Ely,  William  W.  Enlisted  September  28th,  1861.  Veteran.  Trans 
ferred  from  Company  E,  December,  1864.  (See  Company  E.) 

Fiddler,  Henry.  Enlisted  January  24th,  1864.  Killed  August  16th, 
1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

FJSCh,  James.  Enlisted  February  27th,  1864.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Gosan,  Jacob.  Enlisted  February  12th,  1864.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Grimes,  Thomas.     Enlisted  February  8th,  1864.     Deserted. 

Gosan,  Christopher.  Enlisted  February  12th,  1864.  Discharged 
September  16th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Gladdis,  John.  Enlisted  April  14th,  1865.  Deserted  August  2d,  1865, 
at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Hall,  Joseph.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Discharged  July,  1862,  for 
disability.  (Not  in  Adjutant  General's  report.) 

Harrison,  John.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  September  6th,  1861. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  July  1st,  1864, 
from  wounds. 

Harvey,  Louis.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  14th,  1861. 
Wounded  August  16th.  1864,  in  the  arm,  amputation  being  necessary. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  for  disability. 

Hayes,  John  B.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  August  15th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Deserted,  and  died  at  his  home  March  16th,  1864. 

Hayes,   Stephen.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  5th,  1861.  Deserted. 

Her  rick,  M.  B.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Discharged  August  5th, 
1863,  for  disability.  (Not  in  Adjutant  General's  report.) 

Hagan,  Francis,  Enlisted  from  Waukegan,  February  12th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Died  of  his 
wounds  in  general  hospital. 


472  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

HutchingS,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  21st,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1864.  Wounded  severely 
in  the  hand  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church.  Va.  Reduced  to 
the  ranks  at  his  own  request.  Is  living  at  Oak  Glen,  111.,  engaged  in 
merchandising.  , 

Hamilton,  Chester  W.  Enlisted  from  Goodale  February  4th,  1864. 
Wounded  August  14th,  1864,  in  the  arm,  at  Deep  Bottom,  Va. 

HauglebrOCk,  William.  Enlisted  September  2d,  1864.  Missing 
from  the  regiment  since  October  13th,  1864.  Supposed  to  have  been 
captured.  (Not  in  Adjutant  General's  report.) 

Harvey,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Avon  February  29th,  1864.  Dis 
charged  July  17th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Hawthorne,  Ephraim  W.  Enlisted  from  Fredmont  February  9th, 
1864.  Promoted  Sergeant-Ma j or  January  1st,  1865.  Transferred  to 
U.  S.  Colored  troops  for  commission. 

Heirsagle,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Fremont  January  28th,  1864. 
Deserted  July  17th,  1864. 

Hewitt,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  January  9th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hopkins,  Benjamin  B.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  27th,  1864. 
Killed  in  battle  August  llth,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Isbester,  John.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  January  25th,  1864.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  August  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Johnson,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  February  4th.  1864. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Died  August  24th, 
1864,  from  wounds. 

Johnson,  George.  Enlisted  August  5th,  1861.  Discharged  October 
16th,  1861.  for  disability. 

Joyce,  Patrick  F.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  January  21st,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  June  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Kame,  James  M.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  22d,  1861.  Taken 
prisoner  May  1st,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.  Died  September  23d, 
1862,  at  Annapolis,  Md. 

Kemph,  William.  Enlisted  from  Lockport  August  22d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Kemph,  Fred.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  28th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  arm  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff, 
Va.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Kame,  Dennis.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August  15th,  1861.  Died 
November  1st,  1861. 

Kelly,  John.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  February  12th,  1864.  Wounded 
October  28th,  1864,  in  hand,  at  a  skirmish  near  Darby  town  Cross- 
Roads,  Va.  Is  living  at  Centerville.  Iowa. 

Kennedy,  Thomas  W.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  February  22d,  1864. 
Wounded  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.,  and  left  on 
the  field. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  F— PRIVATES.  473 

Kramer,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  8th,  1861. 
Died  June  14th,  1864. 

Kennedy,  Thomas  M.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  February  22d,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  head  August  16th,  1864.  Taken  prisoner.  Died  in 
prison  at  Richmond,  Va.,  from  wounds. 

Lake,  David.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  October  4th,  1864.  Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at 
the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Discharged  July  18th,  1865,  for  dis 
ability  from  wounds. 

Larrett,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  29th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Loughram,  Owen.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August  15th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  December  7th,  1861;  to  Sergeant  Feb 
ruary  1st,  1864.  Killed  in  battle  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Loughram,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  6th,  1861. 
'Discharged  May  8th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Litwiller,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Avon  February  29th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Lott,  Theodore.     Enlisted  from  Washington  February  24th,  1864. 

Lott  died  very  suddenly  of  disease  of  the  heart,  June  5th,  1864, 
when  coming  in  from  picket  duty  under  fire.  He  got  within  the  intrench- 
ments  and  fell  dead.  Autopsy  revealed  fatty  heart  with  calcareous  deposits 
in  the  vessels;  also  a  bone  growing  from  the  base  of  the  aorta. 

Lusk,  Palmer.  Enlisted  from  Avon  February  2d,  1864.  Wounded 
and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in 
prison  June  5th,  1864,  at  Andersonville,  Ga. 

MdntOSh,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  5th,  1861. 
Discharged  June,  1862,  for  disability. 

McLaughlin,  Dennis.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  1st,  1861. 
Discharged  January,  1862,  for  disability. 

McLaughlin,  Patrick.  Enlisted  September  1st,  1861.  Deserted 
October  1st,  1861. 

McGinnis,  William.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Discharged  August 
18th,  1865,  for  disability. 

McGinnis,  Elijah.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Died  in  hospital  Sep 
tember  30th,  1865. 

McGinnis,  John  B.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Morris,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  10th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  thigh;  leg  amputated.  Died  at 
Philadelphia  July  9th,  1864,  from  wounds. 

Moore,  William  T.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  20th,  1861;  to  Sergeant  August 
5th,  1864. 

Morse,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  4th,  1861.  Is  living 
at  Mazon,  111. 


474  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Morse,  E.  J.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  15th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  August  16th,  1864;  to  Sergeant  April  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Moore,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  22d,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1862.  Wounded  August  16th,  1864, 
at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Promoted  Sergeant  March  6th,  1865;  to  First 
Sergeant  June  1st,  1865,  and  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant 
October  16th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Beloit,  Wis. 

Mooney,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  19th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Veteran.  Is  living  at  Lockport,  111.,  when  he  is  not  on  the  tramp. 

Miller,  Nichols.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  16th,  1861.  De 
serted  In  August,  1862. 

McLarkey,  Hugh.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  16th,  1861. 
Discharged  August  25th,  1862,  for  disability. 

McAree,  Francis.  Enlisted  January  28th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

McCurley,  Michael.  Enlisted  February  9th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Manzer,  James.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  January  25th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff.  Discharged  June  22d, 
1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Marshall,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Homer  February  27th,  1864. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  in  the  arm,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Miltmore,  A.  Enlisted  from  Avon  February  29th,  1864.  Died  March 
23d,  1864,  of  brain  fever. 

Melody,  Patrick  H.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  January  21st,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  March  15th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

MclntOSh,  James  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  27th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1862.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Nelson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Sandoval  August  15th,  1861.  Wound 
ed  in  the  head  September  7th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Mustered 
out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Nevil,  Richard.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  20th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Notmyer,  Henry.  Enlisted  February  8th,  1864.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

O'Brien,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  August  20th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  August  16th,  1864.  Died  at 
Annapolis,  Md.,  August  31st,  1864,  from  wounds  and  exposure. 

Pike,  A.  H.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Was  sent  to 
Andersonville,  Ga.,  where  he  remained  for  six  months  and  some  days. 
Paroled,  exchanged,  and  discharged  February  21st,  1865.  Is  living  at 
No.  10  North  Carpenter  street,  Chicago. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  F— PRIVATES.  475 

Peters,  Martin  Van  Buren.  Enlisted  from  Elgin  September  4th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  February  1st,  1864.  Wounded 
in  the  hand  June  18th,  1864.  Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps 
March  17th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Sauk  Center,  Minn. 

Plowman,  James.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  15th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  head  June  2d,  1864.  Died  November  14th,- 
1864,  from  wounds. 

Peck,  William.  Enlisted  from  Homer  February  22d,  1864.  Wounded 
in  skirmish  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  June  18th,  1864,  and  in 
the  head  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  (No  dis 
charge  furnished.) 

Robinson,  William  H.  Enlisted  February  29th,  1864.  Promoted 
Corporal  June  2d,  1865,  for  meritorious  service  at  the  assault  on  Fort 
Gregg  and  at  Appomattox  April  2d,  1885. 

Robinson  is  living  at  Mayville,  Dakota,  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade, 
being  the  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Beidler  and  Robinson  Lumber 
company.  He  is  prosperous  and  a  leading  man  in  his  community. 

Russell,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  13th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  February  16th,  1862;  to  Sergeant  August 
23d,  1864.  Discharged  for  promotion  to  commission  in  Thirty-Sixth 
U.  S.  Colored  troops. 

John  H.  Russell  was  born  at  Northfield,  Cook  county,  111.,  July  16th, 
1843,  receiving  his  primary  education  by  working  on  his  father's  farm 
during  summer  and  going  to  school  in  winter,  until  he  arrived  at  the  age 
of  sixteen,  when  he  became  a  student  in  the  Northwestern  University  at 
Evanston,  111.,  where  he  remained  until  the  call  "To  arms!"  resounded 
throughout  the  country.  He  then  made  an-attempt  to  enlist  in  the  since 
famous  Nineteenth  Illinois  regiment,  but  was  rejected  on  account  of  his 
youth.  On  August  5th,  1861,  having  just  passed  his  eighteenth  birthday, 
he  attached  himself  to  Captain  Amasa  Kennicott's  company,  which  was 
then  being  formed  near  his  native  place.  This  organization  soon  after 
ward  became  a  part  of  the  "  Yates  Phalanx,"  was  designated  Company  F, 
and  joined  the  regiment  at  Camp  Mather.  From  here  he  shared  in  all  the 
movements  of  the  company  and  regiment,— shared  with  it  its  first  baptism 
of  blood  when  Companies  A  and  F  so  successfully  repulsed  "  Stonewall " 
Jackson's  advance-guard  at  Alpine  Station,  and  thus  covered  the  crossing 
of  the  Potomac  river  by  the  troops,  to  Hancock,  Md.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  to  reach  Cumberland  on  that  famous  forced  march  of  forty  miles  when 
that  place  with  its  immense  depot  of  supplies  and  quartermaster's  stores 
was  threatened  by  Jackson's  division,  and  remained  there  with  his  com 
pany  as  provost-guard  until  they  again  joined  the  regiment  at  Patterson's 
Creek.  He  was  present  with  the  "  Phalanx  "  throughout  the  vigorous  cam 
paign  that  followed.  From  this  time  forward,  while  he  remained  with  the 
regiment,  he  occupied  that  anomalous  position  of  company  clerk  and  kept 
all  the  company's  books,  and  prepared  all  the  muster  and  pay  rolls  of  the 
company,  and  served  continuously  throughout  the,  two  and  a  half  years  of 


476  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

his  enlistment,  except  having  for  a  short  time  been  on  detached  service 
with  Captain  Williams,  who  was  Brigade  Commissary  at  Hilton  Head. 

When  the  opportunity  was  given  to  the  members  of  the  regiment  to 
re-enlist  as  veterans,  Russell  was  among  the  first  to  proffer  his  services  to 
the  country  for  three  years  more,  and  assisted  Comrade  Knapp  and  others 
in  the  pleasant  but  arduous  task  of  preparing  the  muster-out  rolls  and 
discharges  of  the  men  of  the  "  Phalanx." 

After  the  veteran  furlough  and  the  consequent  visit  to  home  and 
friends,  he  served  without  intermission  with  the  company  throughout  the 
terrible  conflicts  of  1864,  receiving  a  flesh  wound  at  Strawberry  Plains,  but 
did  not  leave  the  regiment:  though  from  severe  sickness  on  the  march  from 
the  front  of  Petersburg  to  the  north  side  of  the  James,  he  was  forced  to 
enter  the  field  hospital  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  where  a  fever  kept  him  for 
five  weeks,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  rejoined  the  regiment. 

During  the  winter  of  1864-5,  much  interest  was  taken  by  the  corps 
(the  Twenty-Fourth)  of  which  the  regiment  was  a  part,  in  critical  inspec 
tion  and  competitive  drills.  A  series  of  such  drills  resulted  in  Russell's 
being  selected  to  represent  the  brigade  at  division  headquarters,  and  after 
a  severe  test  and  an  examination  by  a  board  of  officers  detailed  for  the 
purpose,  he  received  a  commission  as  Second  Lieutenant  in  the  Thirty- 
Eighth  U.  S.  Colored  troops  which  was  then  encamped  near  Fort  Harrison. 
He  then  bade  adieu  to  his  tried  comrades  of  the  "Phalanx"  with  feelings 
of  much  regret. 

On  the  morning  of  April  3d  the  order  was  received  for  a  general 
advance  along  the  line,  and  he  led  his  company  over  the  breast-works, 
driving  in  the  rebel  pickets  and  closely  following  their  rear-guard  over  the 
rebel  works.  His  regiment  was  among  the  first  infantry  to  enter  Richmond, 
and  although  no  considerable  amount  of  fighting  was  needed,  the  enforce 
ment  of  strict  military  discipline  was  necessary  to  prevent  the  vast  destruc 
tion  of  property  that  the  rebel  rear-guard  had  inaugurated. 

The  Twenty-Fifth  Corps  was  now  ordered  to  Texas  to  guard  the 
frontier  and  watch  the  movements  of  Maximilian,  who  had  been  proclaimed 
Emperor  of  Mexico, — the  Thirty-Eighth  U.  S.  Colored  troops  serving  at 
Brownsville,  Brazos  de  Santiago  and  Indianola.  Russell  was  speedily  pro 
moted  to  First  Lieutenant,  and  acted  as  Company  Commander.  Regimental 
Quartermaster  and  Aid-de-camp  to  General  Giles  A.  Smith,  and  was  finally 
mustered  out  of  the  service  in  February,  1867,  having  served  five  years  and 
seven  months,  his  command  being  among  the  last  to  be  dispensed  with  by 
the  Government. 

Once  more  at  home,  Russell  renewed  his  collegiate  course,  and  grad 
uated  from  the  Law  Department  of  the  Chicago  University,  class  of  1868, 
practiced  law  in  Chicago  for  one  year,  and  finally  went  west,  and  has  been 
since  then  practicing  his  profession  with  success  at  San  Jose,  California. 
In  1869  he  married  Cornelia  E.  Cadwell  of  WTaukegan,  111.,  and  has  two 
children — Jessie  Eleanor,  aged  eighteen  years,  and  Gilbert  Hamilton,  aged 
sixteen  years. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  F— PRIVATES.  477 

Seltzer,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  5th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Northfield  and 
occupied  as  an  undertaker. 

Sheets,  Eli.  Enlisted  September  27th,  1861.  Transferred  July  1st, 
1863,  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

SiggS,  Francis.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  19th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  head  June  18th,  1864.  Died  June  21st,  1864, 
from  wounds. 

Springer,  Samuel  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  24th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  llth,  1862,  for  disability. 

Snyder,  Gottlieb.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  October  13th.  1862,  for  disability. 

Stanton,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  13th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  December  6th.  1865. 

StOUt,  James.  Enlisted  from  Centralia  August  14th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  head  and  shoulder  May  20th,  1864.  Discharged 
October  3d,  1864,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Scoville,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  4th,  1864.  Trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  April  17th,  1865. 

Scoville,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  4th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  May  20th,  1864.  Discharged  for  disability  from 
wounds. 

Sherwood,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  WTaukegan  January  25th,  1864. 
Killed  October  28th,  1864,  near  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Smith,  Asahel.  Enlisted  from  Avon,  February  2d,  1864.  Discharged 
May  6th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Stillhamer,  William.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  March  9th,  1864. 
Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Killed  April 
2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Starr,  L.  S.  Enlisted  from  Newport  February  13th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Stroban,  George.     Enlisted  from  Waukegan  February  26th,  1864. 

Sullivan,  George.  Enlisted  from  Libertyville  February  26th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  knee  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Seavy,  John.     Enlisted  September  6th,  1861.     Deserted  in  1861. 

Scott,  John.  Enlisted  April  6th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Trapp,  Augustus.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  22d,  1861. 
Discharged  August  20th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Thompson,  George.  Enlisted  August  22d,  1861.  Discharged  Sep 
tember  20th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Underwood,  George  M.  Enlisted  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  to  Corporal  January  1st,  1865;  to  Sergeant  June  2d,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Lockport,  111.  (Is 
Melvin  in  Adjutant  General's  report.) 

Van  Buskirk,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  1st,  1861. 
Discharged  July  1st,  1863,  for  disability. 


478  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Van  Court,  Rufus.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  September  12th,  1861. 
Discharged  May  9th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Van  Patten,  Adelbert.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  January  28th,  1864. 
Taken  prisoner  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Died  of  wounds 
in  prison  in  Virginia. 

Washburn,  George  W.  Enlisted  August  28th,  1861.  Promoted 
Corporal  November  19th,  1862.  Discharged  August  5th,  1863,  for 
disability. 

Washburn  has  been  an  invalid  since  his  discharge,  and  is  now  in  the 
Insane  Asylum  at  Lincoln,  Neb. 

Weible,  Nicholas.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  October  4th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  October  4th.  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Woore,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Northfield  August  5th,  1861.  Mustered 
out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Woore  was  wounded  in  the  hip  by  a  fragment  of  shell  at  Fort  Wag 
ner.  S.  C.  Is  living  at  Mount  VTernon,  Iowa;  has  a  family  of  small  children; 
is  poor  and  crippled. 

Webb,  Wallace  H.  Enlisted  from  Antioch,  February  16th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  June  18th.  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Wier  Bot 
tom  church,  Va.  Absent,  sick,  at  muster  out. 

Webb,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Antioch  February  16th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Williams,  Harry.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
foot  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Williamson,  James.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC.  479 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 10 

Died  of  wounds 9 

Died  of  disease 7 

Died  in  prison 4 

Wounded 42 

Deserted 10 

Transferred 7 

Discharged  for  disability 29 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 8 

Lost  limbs „ 2 

Taken  prisoner 12 

Number  originally  enlisted 75 

Recruits 69 

Veterans 40 

Returned  home  at  muster-out 45 

Known  to  be  living  (1889) 26 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


Company  G — How  Recruited — Roster  and  Biographies — Summary  of  Cas 
ualties,  etc. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  G. 

company  was  recruited  at  Chicago,  111.,  commencing 
on  or  about  August  6th,  1861,  having  been  organized 
by  the  Rev.  W.  B.  Slaughter,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  Oscar  F.  Rudd  and  Amos  Savage,  who  were 
elected  as  its  commanders.  It  did  most  excellent  service  in 
whatever  position  it  was  placed,  which  may  or  may  not  have 
been  in  part  attributable  to  the  fact  of  its  having  a  Slaugh 
ter  and  a  Savage  as  leaders,  and  as  a  consequence  its  list  of 
casualties  were  numerous,  it  having  lost  seventy-four  officers 
and  men  in  killed,  wounded  and  taken  prisoners. 

At  the  time  of  the  Jackson  and  Loriiig  raid,  January  4th, 
1862,  the  company  was  stationed  at  Great  Cacapoii,  Ya.,  to 
guard  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad  bridge,  being  subse 
quently  re-enforced  by  part  of  Company  E ;  and  while  there, 
repulsed  a  whole  brigade  of  the  enemy,  holding  it  in  check 
for  some  hours,  and  made  good  their  retreat  under  cover  of 
darkness,  without  serious  loss.  It  did  gpiard  duty,  with 
quarters  on  board  a  train  of  freight  cars,  along  the  Balti 
more  and  Ohio  railroad,  from  New  Creek. to  Cherry  Run, 
Va.,  up  to  the  13th  of  March,  1862,  when  it  joined  Shields' 
division  at  Martinsburg,  Va,,  and  participated  in  the  victory 
over  "  Stonewall"  Jackson's  army  at  Winchester,  Va.,  March 
23d,  1862.  After  this  it  shared  in  the  campaign  through 
the  Shenandoah  Valley,  marching  to  Fredericksburg  and 
back,  then  embarking  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  to  join  McClellan's 

480 


1-     WM.   R.    MORLEY,  Co.    H. 
4.     JAMES  HIRST,  Co.   I. 
7.     H.   D.   POND,  Co.  G. 


2.      EZRA  A.  COOK,  Co.   G. 
5.     I.  D.   BOSWORTH,  Co.  G. 
8.     RICHARD  A.   LEMON,  Co.   I. 


3.     GEORGE   RIDDLE.  Co.    I. 
6.     CAPT.   H.   M.   PHILLIPS,  Co.   I. 
WILLIAM   H.   HOWARD,  Co.  G. 


9. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  G.  431 

army,  and  taking  part  in  the  last  of  the  seven  days'  battles 
at  Malvern  Hill,  Va.  It  took  part  in  July,  1862,  in  the 
grand  retreat  to  York  town,  and  after  a  few  days'  rest  pro 
ceeded  to  Suffolk,  Va.,  where  winter  quarters  were  estab 
lished  and  where  it  participated  in  three  different  engage 
ments  on  the  Blackwater  river,  and  in  a  reconnoissance  to 
the  Dismal  Swamp. 

In  the  early  part  of  January,  1863,  it  left  Suffolk  for 
Newbern,  N.  C.,  to  take  position  in  the  Foster  expedition  for 
the  reduction  of  Charleston,  S.  C.,  arriving  and  disembark 
ing  on  Folly  Island,  S.  C.,  April  4th,  1863,  after  having 
spent  some  little  time  for  drill  and  discipline  on  St.  Helena 
Island.  From  July  until  October,  1863,  it  was  actively  en 
gaged  in  the  operations  to  effect  the  reduction  of  the  bat 
teries  and  fortifications  in  and  around  Charleston  harbor, 
being  almost  constantly  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy 
and  the  no  less  active  and  merciless  assaults  of  sand-flies, 
musquitoes  and  fleas ;  but  the  loss  from  all  causes  was  sur 
prisingly  small,  being  only  hvo  seriously  wounded. 

January  1st,  1864,  the  company,  while  at  Hilton  Head, 
S.  C.,  re-enlisted  as  veterans  and  received  thirty  days'  fur 
lough  home  for  recruiting.  In  February,  1864,  it  was 
ordered  to  Washington,  D.  C. ;  remained  for  several  weeks 
encamped  at  Arlington  Heights,  Va.,  then  proceeded  to 
Gloucester  Point  to  join  Butler's  expedition  up  the  James 
river,  landing  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  and  actively  par 
ticipating  in  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  on  the  15th  and 
16th  of  May,  1864,  in  which  the  company  lost  four  killed 
and  thirteen  wounded. 

May  20th,  1864,  it  was  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Wier 
Bottom  church,  and  then  in  the  trenches  at  Bermuda  Hun 
dred;  then  followed  the  engagements  of  June  16th,  17th 
and  18th  at  the  same  place,  and  where  Captain  O.  F.  Eudd 
was  mortally  wounded;  then  it  crossed  to  the  north  side  of 
the  James  river  and  took  part  in  the  charge  upon  the 

31 


482  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

enemy's  works  at  Deep  Run,  where  Private  Hardenburgh 
captured  the  colors  of  the  Eighth  Alabama  regiment. 
August  8th,  1804,  it  entered  the  trenches  in  front  of 
Petersburg,  Va.,  where  it  remained  constantly  on  duty  and 
exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy  until  September  28th, 
Avhen  it  again  crossed  to  the  north  side  of  the  James 

C? 

river,  and  on  October  8th  assisted  in  repulsing  an  attack  of 
the  enemy  at  Chapin's  Farm,  Va. ;  and  October  13th  it  was 
engaged  in  the  charge  on  the  rebel  works  at  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  where  it  was  repulsed.  Again,  October  27th, 
it  had  an  engagement  with  the  enemy  at  the  same  place. 
It  went  into  winter  quarters  on  the  north  side  of  the  James, 
and  during  the  winter  received  thirteen  recruits.  March 
27th,  1865,  it  again  crossed  the  river,  moving  to  the  extreme 
left  of  the  army  at  Hatcher's  Run,  where,  on  April  2d,  it 
assisted  in  making  a  successful  charge  on  Fort  Gregg,  near 
Petersburg,  the  key  to  the  works  around  Richmond.  It 
then  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  General  Lee's  army  to 
Appomattox  Court-House  April  3rd  to  9th,  1865.  After 
remaining  a  few  days  to  assist  in  guarding  and  collecting 
for  transportation  the  captured  property,  it  marched  to 
Richmond,  Va.,  where  it  remained  until  July  9th,  1865. 
It  was  then  ordered  to  City  Point,  Va.,  and  from  there  to 
Norfolk,  where,  011  the  6th  day  of  December,  1865,  it  was 
honorably  mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service  and 
ordered  to  Springfield,  111.,  for  final  payment  and  discharge, 
arriving  there  via  Chicago,  December  9th,  1865. 

Company  G  was  called  the  "Preacher's  Company, "- 
not  alone  from  the  fact  of  its  having  a  clergyman  for  its 
commander,  but  because  its  rank  and  file  had  pretensions  to 
more  morality  than  the  majority  of  their  comrades;  and, 
in  fact,  it  well  maintained  its  superiority  in  this  respect  for 
some  considerable  time  after  joining  the  regiment.  But,  as 
is  well  known,  evil  communications  and  peculiar  situations 
and  surroundings  are  corrupting;  so  they  soon  lost  prestige 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  'G— OFFICERS.  483 

in  this  respect  and  became,  in  the  esteem  of  their  associates, 
"hail  fellows,  well  met,"  at  every  turn,  and  could  join  in  as 
noisy  and  abusive  demonstrations  as  any  when  the  commis 
sary  failed  with  rations  or  they  were  suspicious  in  quality; 
and  in  the  long,  discouraging  marches,  when  foot-sore,  travel- 
stained  and  disheartened,  they  could  generally  find  expres 
sion  for  a  few  modest  "  cuss  "  words  to  help  maintain  their 
courage.  It  possessed  endurance,  courage  and  eminent 
fighting  qualities,  as  fully  evinced  on  many  occasions,  and 
notably  so  at  Great  Cacapon,  Va.,  when  they  held  in  check 
a  full  brigade  of  the  enemy,  and  at  the  last,  when  Lieutenant 
Rudd,  in  order  to  permit  the  larger  part  of  his  command  to 
retire,  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  twenty  of  his  men  and 
in  a  narrow  pass  successfully  held  the  enemy  at  bay. 

It  can  be  fairly  said  of  Company  G  that  it  did  its  full 
measure  of  duty,  suffered  its  due  share  of  hardships,  and 
bore  its  proportion  of  loss.  The  reputation  of  the  regiment 
was  never  imperiled  by  its  conduct  in  the  camp,  or  on  the 
march,  or  in  battle;  but  on  the  contrary,  the  record  of  the 
"  Yates  Phalanx"  has  been  made  brighter  by  reason  of  its 
harmonious  action  in  camp,  its  heroic  and  soldierly  bearing 
in  battle,  and  its  prompt  and  intelligent  response  to  every 
call  for  duty. 


ROSTER  OF  COMPANY  G. 
Captain    William    B.    Slaughter.    Commissioned    August   5th, 

1861.     Resigned  July  20th,  1862,  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va. 

Captain  Slaughter  recruited  a  portion  of  Company  G  while  he  was 
stationed  as  pastor  at  Blue  Island,  111.  After  leaving  the  service  he  resum 
ed  his  clerical  duties,  and  in  1868  was  stationed  at  Omaha,  Neb.  He  died 
a  few  years  ago. 

Captain  Oscar  F.  Rudd.  Promoted.  Wounded  June  16th,  1864, 
in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near  Chester  Station,  Va.  Died  in 
general  hospital  at  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  July  llth,  1864. 

It  has  been  impossible  to  learn  anything  concerning  the  "ante 
bellum  "  history  of  Captain  Rudd,  although  proper  effort  has  been  made 


484  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

by  writing  to  his  son— now  living,  it  was  understood,  at  Blue  Island,  111. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  his  record  is  incomplete. 

As  a  soldier,  Captain  Rudd  was  earnest,  faithful  and  brave,  and  was 
much  respected  not  only  by  his  own  command  but  by  the  officers  of  the 
regiment  generally.  He  possessed  social  and  generous  qualities  that 
endeared  him  to  his  friends,  and  his  loss  was  deeply  felt.  His  soldierly 
qualities  eminently  fitted  him  to  be  a  leader  of  men.  Enthusiastic,  deter 
mined  and  brave,  he  asked  none  to  follow  where  he  would  not  lead,  and  it 
was  on  the  skirmish  line,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  that  he  received  his 
mortal  wound.  Words  can  hardly  pay  him  the  tribute  he  deserves. 

Captain  AmOS  Savage.  Commissioned  vice  Rudd,  died,  but  not 
mustered  as  Captain.  Discharged  October  28th,  1864,  for  disability 
resulting  from  defective  vision. 

During  his  three  years  and  two  months  of  active  service  Captain 
Savage  made  an  honorable  record  as  an  officer  and  soldier,  participating 
in  most  if  not  all  the  movements  and  actions  in  which  the  regiment  took 
part,  up  to  the  time  of  leaving  the  service. 

Amos  Savage  was  born  June  18th,  1836,  in  the  then  just-organized 
county  of  Will,  111.,  on  the  same  farm  where  he  has  since  resided.  His 
early  advantages  were  only  those  offered  by  the  district  school  of  a  new 
country.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  years  he  commenced  teaching  school  win 
ters,  working  on  the  farm  during  the  summer.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the 
State  Convention  of  1860  which  nominated  Richard  Yates  for  Governor  and 
elected  delegates  to  the  National  Convention  which  nominated  Lincoln  for 
President.  He  took  part  in  the  campaign  of  1860,  speaking  several  times 
in  Will  and  Du  Page  counties.  In  April,  1861,  he  was  elected  supervisor  of 
his  native  town  (Homer),  but  the  firing  on  Fort  Sumter  ten  days  later 
caused  him  to  resign  the  position  and  enter  the  army.  The  first  organi 
zation  he  attached  himself  to  failed  to  get  into  the  service  and  he  went  to 
Chicago  and  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers. 
He  returned  to  his  home  in  November,  1864,  much  broken  in  health,  and 
with  the  vision  of  the  right  eye  nearly  useless.  In  the  fall  of  1869  he  was 
returned  to  the  Board  of  Supervisors  and  was  continuously  re-elected  until 
1872,  when  he  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature.  In  1876  he 
was  elected  to  the  State  Board  of  Equalization,  serving  continuously  until 
1884.  At  present,  Savage  is  engaged  in  farming, — feeding  and  shipping 
live  stock.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics,  a  friend  of  temperance  and 
popular  education,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  prosperity  and  welfare  of 
his  country. 

From  the  above  sketch,  one  can  form  some  opinion  of  his  mental 
attributes,  and  all  who  know  him  have  doubtless  been  impressed  with  some 
of  his  physical  peculiarities.  "  An  enormous  foot,  supporting  a  weight  of 
two  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds  avoirdupois;  a  head  covered  with  a  mas 
sive  shock  of  light-brown  hair  and  partially  occupied  in  front  by  a  mouth 
set  a  little  to  one  side, — these,  with  a  hand  like  the  hand  of  Providence, 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  G— OFFICERS.  485 

constitute,"  he  says,  his   chief   physical   characteristics.      His   postoffice 
address  is  Marley,  111. 

Captain   Homer  A.  Plimpton.     Promoted  Major  May  llth,  1865. 
(See  Lieutenant-Colonel  Plimpton.) 

Captain     Neriah     B.    Kendall.     Commissioned    April   29th,    1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  the  regiment. 

Captain  Kendall  enlisted  from  Joliet,  111.,  and  served  continuously 
up  to  the  muster-out  of  the  regiment,  with  the  exception  of  three  months 
spent  in  Libby  prison.  He  enlisted  as  a  private  soldier  and  was  mustered 
out  as  Captain  commanding  company,  which  of  itself  is  a  sufficient  com 
mentary  on  his  ability  and  devotion  to  duty  without  further  altiloquence 
from  the  writer.  He  was  wounded  in  the  head  and  taken  prisoner  May 
16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  was  reported  "  killed  and  left 
on  the  field"  at  the  time,  and  in  consequence  of  such  report  his  funeral 
sermon  was  preached  at  Joliet  by  Elder  Crews,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  He  was  perhaps  the  only  person  in  the  regiment  who  had  such  a 
distinction  forced  upon  him,  or  was  placed  in  such  a  paradoxical  position 
— dead,  yet  alive.  It  may  be  mentioned  in  this  connection  that  he  has 
been  a  very  live  man  ever  since —  "  there  are  no  flies  on  him."  He  acted 
as  Adjutant  of  the  regiment  from  January  28th,  to  September  10th,  1865, 
when  Adjutant  Doud  was  assigned  to  the  First  Brigade. 

After  the  war,  in  July,  1866,  Kendall  went  to  Omaha,  Neb.,  and  was 
appointed  civil  engineer  on  the  Union  Pacific  railroad,  remaining  in  that 
capacity  until  the  completion  of  the  road  in  1870,  when  he  received  the 
appointment  of  chief  engineer  of  the  Nebraska  railroad,  serving  until 
1874,  with  the  exception  of  one  year  spent  in  Arizona  and  California 
exploring  a  route  for  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  railroad.  He  then  resigned 
his  position  and  gave  up  railroading,  and  soon  engaged  in  the  milling, 
stock,  and  land  business,  which  he  has  since  followed. 

It  is  presumed  that  in  his  travels  and  explorations  in  the  far  west  he 
discovered  the  long-lost  "  Aladdin's  Lamp,"  and  has  been  rubbing  it,  much 
to  his  advantage,  ever  since.  He  has  considerable  landed  interests  in 
Omaha,  Lincoln,  and  throughout  the  State  of  Nebraska,  and  has  some  little 
personal  property  besides — enough,  in  fact,  to  warrant  him  in  saying  that 
he  feels  quite  prosperous.  He  makes  his  home  and  headquarters  at  Lin 
coln,  Neb. 

First  Lieutenant  Oscar  F.  Rudd.    Commissioned  August  5th, 
1861.     Promoted  Captain  July  20th,  1862,  vice  Slaughter,  resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  Amos  Savage.  Discharged  October  28th,  1864, 

for  disability,  by  order  War  Department. 

First  Lieutenant  Homer  A.  Plimpton.     Promoted  Captain  De 
cember  5th,  1864. 

First   Lieutenant    Neriah    B.   Kendall.      Promoted   Captain 

April  12th,  1865,  vice  Plimpton,  promoted. 


486  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

First  Lieutenant  James  B.  West.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865,  with  the  regiment. 

The  writer  has  received  no  information  concerning  the  past  or  pres 
ent  condition  of  West.  All  he  is  able  to  say  is  that  West  was  a  true 
soldier  and  was  popular  with  his  company  and  regiment  as  an  officer.  He 
is  living  at  Albion,  111. 

Second  Lieutenant  Amos  Savage.  Commissioned  August  5th, 
1861.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  vice  Rudd,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  M.  Harrington.     Mustered  out 

October  17th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Lieutenant  Harrington  was  a  popular  officer  and  soldier.  He  par 
ticipated  in  all  the  battles  and  skirmishes  the  regiment  was  engaged  in 
excepting  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  when  he  was  absent  sick,  having 
been  sent  to  hospital  at  St.  Augustine,  Florida,  when  the  regiment  was  in 
South  Carolina  in  November,  1863,  rejoining  his  company  the  last  of  June, 
1864.  He  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York  in  the  year  1831;  went  west 
with  his  parents  in  1833,  making  a  home  in  the  town  of  Palos,  Cook  county, 
111.;  lived  there  until  his  tenth  year,  when  he  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Kane  county,  fourteen  miles  west  of  Elgin.  W7hen  nineteen  years  old  he 
returned  to  Cook  county,  and  in  1852  went  to  California,  remaining  there 
until  1857,  when  he  returned  to  Chicago,  where,  in  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Com 
pany  G,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois.  In  1881  he  went  to  Minnesota,  locating  at 
Pleasant  Grove,  which  is  his  present  home.  His  health  is  much  impaired 
from  his  exposures  in  the  service, — suffering  with  heart  disease. 

Second  Lieutenant  James  B.  West.  Promoted  First  Lieuten 
ant  April  29th,  1865. 

Second  Lieutenant  Joseph  R.  Ward,  Jr.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865,  as  First  Sergeant. 

Ward  is  living  at  El  Dorado,  Kansas;  has  a  family  of  eight  children, 
and  is  prospering  and  deserving  of  it. 

First  Sergeant  Henry  Green.  Enlisted  from  Ottawa,  111.,  August 
19th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  July  28th,  1864.  Wounded  August 
20th  and  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  July  1st,  1865. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Sergeant  James  M.  Harrington.  Enlisted  from  Palos,  111., 
August  9th,  1861.  Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  July  20th,  1862. 

Sergeant  Samuel  H.  Brink.  Enlisted  from  Sterling,  111.,  August 
15th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  to  First  Sergeant  January  1st,  1864. 
Died  of  typhoid  fever  September  22d,  1864. 

Sergeant  Horace  T.  Corwin.  Enlisted  from  Homer,  111.,  August 
16th,  1861.  Wounded  in  the  leg  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Mustered  out  September  20th,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
service.  Is  living  at  Lockport,  Illinois. 

Sergeant  Stephen  L.  Harrington.  Enlisted  August  9th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY   G— OFFICERS.  487 

Corporal  Abner  Gillett.  Enlisted  from  Homer,  111.,  August  29th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Gillett  is  living  at  New  Lenox,  111.  His  health  began  to  fail  in  May, 
1864,  and  he  was  sent  to  general  hospital  at  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  where  he 
was  discharged.  He  is  a  sufferer  from  rheumatism,  and  it  may  be  a  sat 
isfaction  for  him  to  learn  that  many  comrades  know  how  to  sympathize 
with  him. 

Corporal  Jehial  Boughton.  Enlisted  from  Palos,  111.,  August  9th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Died  from  disease,  April  12th,  1864,  at  Washington, 
D.  C. 

Corporal  John  J.  Hawkins.  Enlisted  from  Palos,  111.,  August  18th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Hawkins  had  command  of  Company  G  for  a  period  of  thirty  days  at 
a  time  when  Captain  Rudd  was  in  hospital,  Lieutenant  Savage  in  com 
mand  of  Company  C,  and  Lieutenant  Harrington  sick.  He  has  an  idea 
that  he  failed  of  promotion  because  he  was  not  a  veteran.  He  has  the 
satisfaction  of  knowing,  however,  that  he  was  a  good  and  trusted  soldier 
and  was  so  esteemed  by  his  superiors.  He  is  living  at  Blue  Mound,  Linn 
county,  Kansas. 

Corporal  Joseph  McKee.  Enlisted  from  Bremen,  111.,  August 
13th,  1861.  Discharged  November  25th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Corporal  John  Crawford.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  111.,  August 
14th,  1861.  Discharged  September  23d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Corporal  John  Grose.  Enlisted  from  La  Salle,  111.,  August  14th, 
1861.  Discharged  February  10th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Corporal  OrgrO  Gregory.  Enlisted  from  Bremen,  111.,  August 
19th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  January  1st,  1862.  Died  in  hos 
pital  at  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  August  13th,  1863. 

Corporal  James  Prior.  Enlisted  from  Lockport,  111.,  August  13th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  in  both  thighs  June  2d,  1864.  Promoted 
Sergeant  November  1st,  1864.  Transferred  and  promoted  Second 
Lieutenant  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-Second  Regiment  U.  S. 
Colored  troops. 

Musician  Atticus  A.  Ladd.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  111.,  August 
6th,  1861.  Transferred  to  regimental  band,  October  5th,  1861.  Is 
living  at  Omaha,  Neb. 

Musician  Joseph  Roberts.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee,  111., 
October  5th,  1861.  Discharged  November  12th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Musician  William  J.  Lambert.  Enlisted  October  23d,  1862.  Dis 
charged  April,  1864,  by  order  War  Department. 

Musician  Franklin  L.  FOX.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  19th, 
1861.  Promoted  Principal  Musician  July  1st,  1865,  and  transferred 
to  non-commissioned  staff. 


488  THIRTY-NINTH  ILLINOIS    VOLUNTEERS. 

PRIVATES. 

Anthony,  Herbert.  Enlisted  from  Bedford,  Mich.,  August  23d,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Allison,  John  H.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee,  August  28th.  1861. 
Killed  at  Suffolk,  Va.,  September  28th,  1862,  by  the  falling  of  a  tree, 
while  engaged  in  cutting  timber  to  build  intrenchments. 

Angel,  William.  Enlisted  from  Homer,  111.,  August  19th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Ahlshlager,  Carl  G.  Enlisted  from  New  Lenox  September  7th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864.  at  expiration  of  service. 

Andrews,  Isaac  B.  Enlisted  from  Hartford,  Mich.,  September  10th, 
1861.  Killed  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Agney,  Washington.  Enlisted  from  Freeport  February  29th,  1864. 
Killed  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Armstrong,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  16th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  March  31st,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Aurand,  Robert  D.  Enlisted  from  Berryman,  March  15th,  1865. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Bien,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  August  13th,  1861. 
Deserted  August  25th,  1861. 

Bedell,  Ransom.  Enlisted  from  Cook  county  August  15th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  October  12th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Chapin's 
Farm,  Va. 

Borchers,  Hermanus.  Enlisted  from  Peoria  August  30th,  1861. 
Died  February  13th,  1862,  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  from  disease. 

BOS  worth,  Isaac  D.  Enlisted  from  Manteno,  111.,  August  30th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Bosworth  is  living  at  Anderson,  Ind.,  engaged  in  running  a  planing 
mill,  and  is  a  dealer  in  lumber,  shingles,  etc.  "  Is  in  the  best  of  health, 
and  working  hard,  early  and  late,  to  keep  out  of  the  poor-house." 

Blake,  Robert  W.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  9th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  June  17th,  1864,  and  in  the  nose  August  16th, 
1864.  Mustered  out  September  16th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Bull  en,  David.  Enlisted  from  Farmington  September  9th,  1861. 
Discharged  June  2d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Bushnell,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Palos  February  27th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Bushnell  fell  from  a  ladder  while  working  in  a  distillery,  fracturing 
his  skull,  and  died  in  March,  1874. 

Brown,  George  W.  L.  Enlisted  from  Orland  February  29th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va.  Discharged  July  19th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is 
living  at  New  Lebanon,  111. 

Brink,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Sterling  February  28th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  G— PRIVATES.  489 

Breninger,  John.  Enlisted  from  Freeport  February  27th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  head  October  7th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Chapin's 
Farm,  Va.  Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Willow,  111. 

Brusch,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Palos  February  15th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  foot  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 
Discharged  November  18th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Barren,  William.  Enlisted  from  Orland  February  1st,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Beeler,  Leonard.  Enlisted  from  Wood's  Grove  February  22d,  1865. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Breninger,  David.  Enlisted  from  Hopkins  March  29th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Breninger,  Benjamin.  Enlisted  from  Wood's  Grove  February  27th, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Warren,  111. 

Carl,  John.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  16th,  1861.  Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Chatfield,  Jesse.  Enlisted  from  Palos  August  9th,  1861.  Promoted 
Corporal  September  24th,  1862.  Wounded  in  the  hand  June  17th, 
1864,  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy.  Mustered  out  September  10th, 
1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Winfield,  Cowley  county, 
Kansas,  and  is  occupied  in  farming. 

Crews,  Harrison  H.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  August  9th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  February  19th,  1864,  by  reason  of  promotion  in  the  Sixty- 
Fourth  Illinois  Volunteers. 

After  the  war  Crews  entered  the  regular  service.  Is  reported  as  living 
at  Lincoln,  Neb. 

COX,  Camillas.  Enlisted  from  Blue  Island  August  13th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  April  13th,  1864;  Sergeant  July  5th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  October  27th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Darby- 
town  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  and  suffered  excision  of  some  six  inches  of 
the  bone  of  the  arm.  Discharged  June  8th,  1865,  for  disability  from 
wounds. 

Cox  was  one  of  the  seven  men  who  volunteered  to  enter  Fort  Wagner, 
S.  C.,  when  news  was  brought  that  the  fort  was  being  abandoned.  He  was 
an  excellent  soldier — prompt,  faithful  and  courageous.  After  the  war  he 
was  for  many  years  in  the  office  of  the  United  States  Internal  Revenue  Col 
lector  for  Chicago  as  Deputy,  leaving  it  to  make  room  for  a  Democrat  in 
1884,  when  he  resumed  work  at  his  trade  (carpenter)  at  Washington 
Heights,  111.,  where  he  is  now  living. 

Callanan,  Theodore.  Enlisted  from  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  August  28th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Campbell,  Merlin.  Enlisted  from  Newport,  Mich.,  August  29th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Campbell  was  on  duty  for  some  years  as  Wagon-Master.  Is  living  at 
Marine  City,  St.  Clair  county,  Mich. 


490  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Cook,  Ezra.  A.  Enlisted  from  Wheaton  September  2d,  1861.  Wound 
ed  in  the  hand  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Cook  gives  the  following  personal  history  : 

My  father,  Ezra  Sprague  Cook,  was  a  regular  Methodist  Episcopal 
minister,  and  the  longest  time  then  allowed  for  a  term  of  service  in  one 
place  was  two  years.  I  was  born  at  Windsor,  Connecticut,  November  5th, 
1841,  and  my  early  boyhood  was  spent  in  various  villages  of  New  England 
and  the  "  Empire  State." 

My  father's  health  suffered  severely  from  the  hardships  of  ministerial 
service;  for  though  we  usually  lived  in  the  villages,  where  he  conducted  two 
Sabbath  and  several  week-day  services,  he  did  much  missionary  work  also, 
often  taking  long  horseback  rides  in  very  inclement  weather,  when  such 
riding  was  dangerous;  and  I  remember  that  he  was  laid  up  once  by  a 
broken  limb,  and  another  time  from  a  severe  sprain,  both  accidents  occur 
ring  during  such  rides.  He  finally  had  to  leave  the  ministry  on  account  of 
his  health,  but  continued  to  preach,  often  several  times  a  week,  regularly, 
though  engaged  in  a  manufacturing  business  that  took  more  than  ten 
hours  of  his  time  per  day. 

In  the  fall  of  1853,  having  sold  his  manufacturing  interests  in  East 
Worcester,  Otsego  county,  New  York,  we  moved  to  Illinois  and  settled  on 
a  farm  about  twelve  miles  from  Chicago.  About  four  years  afterward  he 
sold  this  farm  and  purchased  another  in  Du  Page  county,  about  one  and  a 
half  miles  from  W7heaton,  his  object  being  to  give  his  children  a  liberal 
education;  the  oldest  daughter  having  already  spent  several  terms  at 
Wheaton  College. 

The  outbreak  of  the  war  in  the  spring  of  1861  found  myself  and  two 
sisters  attending  Wheaton  College,  which  had  a  national  reputation  as  an 
Abolition  school  in  an  Abolition  town.  So  strong  was  public  sentiment 
that  runaway  slaves  were  perfectly  safe  in  the  College  building,  even  when 
no  attempt  was  made  to  conceal  their  presence,  which  was  well  known  to 
the  United  States  Marshal  stationed  there.  With  hundreds  of  others,  I 
have  seen  and  talked  with  such  fugitives  in  the  college  chapel.  Of  course 
they  soon  took  a  night  train  well-guarded  to  the  next  station  on  the 
U.  G.  R.  R. 

When  Sumter  was  fired  on,  I  did  not  doubt  that  it  was  the  death-knell 
of  slavery,  and  my  heart  was  in  the  battle  for  freedom  from  that  moment. 

Although  I  had  expected  to  teach  school  the  next  autumn  and  winter, 
and  had  already  been  examined  and  received  my  certificate,  it  was  very 
evident  to  my  acquaintances  that  I  had  no  heart  for  any  employment  but 
the  service  of  my  country,  which  I  regarded  as  the  service  of  my  God, 
who  was  saying  in  thunder  tones  "  Let  the  oppressed  go  free!" 

I  acknowledged  the  parental  authority  of  my  father  and  would  not 
go  without  his  consent.  A  townsman,  Captain  Kelly,  was  raising  a  com 
pany  for  the  Eighth  Illinois  Cavalry,  and  being  a  fearless  rider  the  cavalry 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY   G— PRIVATES.  491 

was  my  decided  choice,  and  Captain  Kelly  assured  me  that  I  could  depend 
on  a  non-commissioned  office  to  start  with.  But  it  was  not  so  to  be. 
About  the  time  I  saw  father  was  likely  to  give  a  reluctant  consent  to  my 
enlisting,  Captain  Slaughter's  rousing  appeal  in  the  Northwestern  Christian 
Advocate,  for  Christian  young  men  to  join  his  company,  appeared.  It 
stated  that  the  company  would  be  made  up  mostly  of  Christians,  and  none 
but  moral  young  men  would  be  taken;  and  as  he  was  a  Methodist  minister, 
my  father  thought  his  company  was  the  best  for  me  to  join,  though  it  was 
not  expected  that  I  would  find  in  it  a  single  man  I  had  ever  seen  before. 

Naturally,  my  faith  in  Captain  S.  was  somewhat  shaken  when,  soon 
after  I  had  enlisted,  I  found  that  nearly  all  the  men  of  the  company,  that 
he  had  recruited  up  to  the  time  he  published  that  article,  would  swear  like 
a  pirate,  and  several  of  them  would  get  drunk.  But  that  article,  or  those 
articles,  for  I  think  other  appeals  followed,  did  bring  into  the  company 
some  of  the  noblest  Christian  young  men  I  have  ever  met,  and  I  doubt  not 
God  guided  me  to  Company  G  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers. 

The  following  brief  sketch  of  his  business  career  is  taken  from  the 
Historical  Publishing  Company's  "  Epitome  of  Chicago's  History  and  the 
Prominent  Points  of  Interest,"  issued  in  1885: 

"  EZBA  A.  COOK,  Lithographer,  Stationer,  Blank  Book  Manufacturer 
and  Steam  Printer,  Numbers  7,  9,  11  and  13,  Wabash  avenue. — Mr.  Ezra  A. 
Cook  is  a  well  known  publisher  of  works  on  secret  societies,  etc.  .  His  spa 
cious  and  commodious  establishment  at  Numbers  7,  9,  11  and  13  Wabash 
avenue  is  equipped  with  the  latest  and  most  improved  machinery  for 
lithographing,  printing,  blank-book  making  and  publishing,  and  a  force 
of  skilled  and  experienced  hands  is  employed.  The  work  turned  out  in 
each  department  is  up  to  the  highest  standard  of  the  art,  and  all  orders 
are  executed  in  the  promptest  and  most  satisfactory  manner.  Mr.  Cook 
is  one  of  the  best  known  men  in  the  trade.  His  imprint  is  to  be  seen  on 
millions  of  bank  checks  and  drafts  throughout  the  West,  and  his  publica 
tions  on  secret  societies  are  sold,  not  only  all  over  the  nation,  but  in  for 
eign  lands.  He  is  a  clear-headed  business  man,  honorable  and  fair  in  all 
transactions,  and  has  achieved  a  well-merited  success." — (See  Chapter  XX.) 

Chapin,  Caleb  F.  Enlisted  from  Atlanta  October  28th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  June  2d,  1864,  at  Hatcher's  Run,  Va.,  and  died  of  wounds. 

Crandall,  Christopher  C.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  October  14th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  side  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  and 
in  the  head  October  7th,  1864.  Mustered  out  October  13th,  1865, 
at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Piper  City,  111. 

Case,  Henry  N.  Enlisted  from  Thornton,  February  28th,  1864.  Died 
February  13th,  1865,  while  home  on  furlough. 

Clark,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Fremont  February  12th,  1864.  Died 
April  8th,  1864,  at  Chicago.  111. 

Campbell,  William.  Enlisted  February  14th,  1865.  Deserted  May 
12th,  1865.  Was  a  substitute. 

Clifford,  James.  Enlisted  October  loth,  1864.  Mustered  out  Novem 
ber  25th,  1865.  (Substitute.) 


492  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Colbert,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  February  27th,  1864. 
Promoted  Corporal  October  10th,  1864.  Died  at  Genesee,  111.,  April 
15th,  1865,  while  on  furlough. 

Deeming,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  15th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  in  the  head  by  spent  ball  March  23d,  1862,  at  Win 
chester,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1864.  Mustered  out 
with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Cedar  Falls,  Iowa. 

Dunham,  Hiram  G.  Enlisted  from  Hartford,  Mich.,  August  19th, 
1861.  Died  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  of  typhoid  fever,  February  23d,  1865. 

DilnO,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bellevue,  Mich.,  September  5th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  28th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Belle 
vue,  Mich. 

DilnO,  Aaron.  Enlisted  from  Bellevue,  Mich.,  October  1st,  1861.  Died 
at  Cumberland,  Md.,  of  disease,  February  13th,  1862. 

Decker,  Lester  B.  Enlisted  from  Orland  February  23d,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va., 
and  in  the  leg  October  7th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Frisbie,  Charles  F.  Enlisted  from  Worth  August  13th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  to  Commissary  Sergeant  and  transferred  to  non 
commissioned  staff  October  1st,  1864.  (See  Non-Commissioiied 
Staff.) 

Frank,  Henry  J.  Enlisted  from  New  Lenox  September  22d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  side  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of.  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Mustered  out  September  22d,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living 
at  Worthing,  Dakota.  Has  a  family  of  four  children. 

Fitt,  William.  Enlisted  February  29th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  hand 
June  2d.  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Wounded 
again,  in  left  arm,  April  9th,  1865,  at  Appomattox,  Va. 

Fudor,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Palos  May  7th,  1864.  Mustered  out 
with  regiment. 

Flannigan,  Rollin  O.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  March  14th,  1864. 
Discharged  June  3d,  1865,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Thornton,  111. 

Groesbeck,  William  D.  Enlisted  from  Wood's  Grove  February  22d, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Goebel,  John.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  26th,  1863.  Wounded 
in  the  neck  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.,  and  in  the 
arm,  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Mustered  out 
with  regiment.  Is  living  at  No.  814  North  Halsted  street,  Chicago. 

Gardner,  Charles  H.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  February  28th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Kensington,  111. 

Gurrand,  Francis  L.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  21st,  1863. 
Taken  prisoner  May  20th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is 
living  near  Blue  Island,  111. 

Goodman,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Lockport  December  29th,  1863. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Gibson,  Hiram.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  February  23d,  1864.  Wounded 
in  the  head  October  13th,  1864.  at  Darbytown  Cross  Roads,  Va.,  and 
died  of  wounds  October  27th,  1864. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  G— PRIVATES.  493 

Gallup,  George.  Enlisted  from  Worth  February  23d,  1864.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Stockton,  Cal. 

Hahn,  Christian.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  13th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  April  10th,  1864. 

Howard,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Lysander,  N.  Y.,  August  14th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  April  3d,  1865.  Wounded  in  the 
neck  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Is  a  policeman 
at  Sterling,  111. 

Howland,  Adelbert.  Enlisted  from  Genesee  August  14th,  1861. 
Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Hardenburgh,  Henry  M.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  August  15th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  shoulder  August  16th,  1864. 

Hardenburgh  was  promoted  to  First  Lieutenant  in  U.  S.  Colored 
troops  for  bravery  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  was  killed  by  a  fragment  of 
shell  which  pierced  his  left  breast,  in  the  intrenchments  in  front  of  Peters 
burg,  Va.,  August  28th,  1864.  He  died  before  receiving  his  commission. 

Herzog,  Adam  J.  Enlisted  from  Lafayette,  Ind.,  August  15th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  arm,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bot 
tom  church,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  October  10th,  1864;  Sergeant 
January  1st,  1865.  Is  living  at  LaFayette,  Ind. 

Hughes,  R.  E.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  21st,  1861.  Deserted 
August  21st,  1861. 

Hammond,  William.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  27th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  1st,  1864.  Mustered  out 
with  regiment. 

Humphrey,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Orland  August  29th,  1861. 
Killed  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Hanson,  Edward  P.  Enlisted  from  Orland  August  29th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  3d,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Kensing 
ton,  111. 

Heintz,  P.  H.  Enlisted  from  Pekin,  August  30th,  1861.  Deserted 
September  12th,  1861. 

Hawkins,  Edwin.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  4th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  2d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Handy,  Austin  A.  Enlisted  from  Shabbona,  September  9th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  dead. 

Hamilton,  James  G.  Enlisted  from  Bremen,  February  26th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  October  13th.  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va.  Leg  amputated.  Discharged  June  3d,  1865,  for  disability.  Died 
at  Englewood,  111.,  in  1887. 

It  has  been  impossible  to  obtain  anything  pertaining  to  the  early 
history  of  Hamilton.  His  record  while  with  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  was 
most  excellent. 

Helm,  Willis  N.  Enlisted  from  Shabbona  August  26th,  1861.  Died 
at  Cumberland,  Md.,  of  typhoid  fever,  April  10th,  1862. 


494  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Inglehart,  Charles.  Enlisted  February  27th,  1864.  Wounded  in 
the  hand  June  17th,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church.  Va.,  and  in  the 
leg,  April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Discharged  October 
30th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living  at  Ree  Heights, 
Dakota. 

Jenkins,  Robert  T.  Enlisted  from  Coloma  August  14th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  27th,  1862,  for  disability. 

JenkS,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Orland  August  19th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  January  16th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Jenkins,  Samuel  N.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment.  Is  living  at  Eureka,  111. 

Kendall,  Neriah  B.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  August  9th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1862.  Wounded  and  taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  15th,  18<)4; 
First  Sergeant  November  1st,  1864;  First  Lieutenant  July  llth,  1865. 
(See  Captain  Kendall,  Company  G.) 

Katillinek,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  August  15th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  March  1st,  1865;  Sergeant  July  1st, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Monticello,  Minn. 

Klumpp,  Jacob  B.  Enlisted  from  Peoria  September  4th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  12th,  1864;  Sergeant  May  1st, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

While  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  Klumpp  was  detached  as  overseer  of  the  Bax 
ter  farm,  worked  by  freedmen.  He  was  a  good  soldier,  and  always  did  his 
full  duty.  After  the  war  he  returned  to  Illinois.  Not  much  is  known  of 
his  history.  In  1880  he  was  living  at  Willow,  111.,  in  the  position  of  Justice 
of  the  Peace  and  collecting  agent.  He  soon  after  removed  to  his  home 
stead  at  Cliff,  Custer  county,  Neb.  He  has  now  (1888)  some  four  hundred 
acres  under  the  plow;  has  a  family  of  nine  children,  and  lives  in  a  sod- 
house  of  four  rooms.  He  suffers  from  feeble  health,  having  epilepsy;  but 
is  contented,  getting  rich,  and  ought  to  be  happy. 

Lewis,  Andrew  J.  Enlisted  from  Amboy  August  9th,  1861.  Died  on 
Folly  Island,  S.  C.,  of  typhoid  fever,  July  4th,  1863. 

Lewis,  John.  Enlisted  from  Amboy  August  19th,  1861.  Discharged 
December  21st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Luscpmb,  Afeert.  Enlisted  from  Bellevue,  Mich.,  August  15th,  1861. 
Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.  Died  at  Petersburg,  Va.,  from  wounds,  June  26th,  1864. 

Lambert,  William.  Enlisted  October  23d,  1863.  Mustered  out  April, 
1864,  under  order  War  Department. 

Livingstone,  Kilsyth.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  12th,  1864. 
Deserted  October  2d,  1865. 

Love,  James.  Enlisted  February  8th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regi 
ment. 

May,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Genesee  August  28th,  1861.  Killed 
May  16th.  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY   G— PRIVATES.  495 

McKee,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  August  13th,  1862.  Dis 
charged  November  25th,  1862,  for  disability.  Re-enlisted  January 
4th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  January  1st,  1865.  Wounded  August 
14th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Deep  Bottom,  Va.;  again  wounded, 
April  2d,  1865,  at  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Discharged  July  22d, 
1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Meyers,  John.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  August  26th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  face  and  neck,  June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  The  bullet  was  cut  out  from  the  right  tonsil  where  it 
had  lodged.  Was  again  wounded,  April  2d,  1865,  in  shoulder  at  the 
assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

John  was  born  January  3d,  1845,  and  enlisted  in  1861,  and  thinks  he 
was  one  of  the  youngest  men  in  the  regiment  that  carried  a  musket.  He  is 
living  at  La  Delle,  Spink  county,  Dakota,  on  his  homestead.  He  says  that 
he  has  threshed  out  eight  hundred  and  seventeen  bushels  of  wheat  and  four 
hundred  bushels  of  oats  (this  was  in  1887),  but  is  not  getting  rich  at 
present  prices  for  grain,  with  beer  costing  twenty-five  cents  a  bottle  and 
whisky  one  dollar  a  pint. 

Muller,  John  B.  Enlisted  from  Pekin  August  30th,  1861.  Discharged 
July  4th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  El  Paso,  111. 

McLaughlin,  Patrick.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  September  5th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Company  F  October  1st,  1861. 

McLaughlin,  Dennis.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  September  15th, 
1861.  Transferred  to  Company  F  October  1st,  1861. 

Magee,  William  T.  Enlisted  from  Macomb  September  5th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Magee  was  on  detached  service  as  hospital  cook  for  nearly  the  whole 
of  his  term  of  service.  Is  living  at  Prairie  City,  111. 

Moran,  John.  Enlisted  October  12th,  1864.  Deserted  August  16th, 
1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Morrison,  William.  Enlisted  January  23d,  1865.  Deserted  April 
2d,  1865. 

Murray,  Levi.  Enlisted  from  Berryman  March  15th,  1865.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 

McCracken,  Solomon.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  February  13th, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

N orris,  Henry  D.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  6th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June,  1862,  for  disability. 

Nutting,  Harrison.  Enlisted  from  Champaign  county  August  14th, 
1861.  Wounded  in  the  leg  June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church. 
Va.  Died  of  wounds,  at  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  November  27th,  1864. 

Neff,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Pekin  August  30th,  1861.  Deserted 
September  12th,  1861. 

Ogle,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Sterling  February  13th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 


496  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

OnSOig,  Frederick.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  17th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Pate,  Robert  P.  Enlisted  August  6th,  1861.  Discharged  September 
30th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Plimpton,  Homer  A.  Enlisted  from  Sterling  August  14th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  May  20th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  head 
October  7th,  1864,  near  Chapin's  Farm,  Va.  Promoted  First  Lieu 
tenant  October  28th,  1864;  Captain  December  5th,  1864;  Major  May 
llth,  1865;  Lieutenant-Colonel  May  llth,  1865.  (See  Field  and  Staff.) 

Parrish,  William  C.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee  August  14th,  1861. 
Died  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  of  heart  disease,  November  29th,  1861. 

Parrish,  WatSOn.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee  August  14th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  head  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is 
living  somewhere  in  California,  practicing  law,  and  is  reported  to  be 
a  man  of  wealth. 

Parrish,  Harrison.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee,  August  14th,  1861. 
Wounded  June  2d,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is 
living  at  Mulford,  Iowa,  engaged  in  the  hardware  trade. 

Potter,  Isaac.  Enlisted  from  Johnson  county,  Kansas,  August  19th, 
1861.  Died  of  disease,  at  Cumberland,  Md..  February  1st,  1862. 

Parkhurst,  Henry  S.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy,  Pa.,  August  20th, 
1861.  Discharged  June  29th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Pond,  Henry  D.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee,  August  21st,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Pond  is  living  on  his  farm  at  New  Genesee,  Whiteside  county,  111. 
Is  in  very  comfortable  circumstances,  financially,  but  with  health  some 
what  broken  from  army  exposures. 

Pratt,  James.  Enlisted  from  Orland  February  27th,  1864.  Died  May 
28th,  1864.  of  scarlet  fever. 

Pacey,  John.  Enlisted  from  Brimfield  September  24th,  1861.  Wound 
ed  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in 
prison  of  wounds,  at  Richmond,  Va.,  July  26th,  1864. 

Pacey,  Richard.  Enlisted  from  Brimtield  September  24th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Pettijohn,  James.  Enlisted  from  Orland  February  23d.  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  May  14th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  near  Drury's 
Bluff,  Va.  Discharged  May  23d,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Pitzer,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Orland  March  12th,  1864.  Wounded 
in  the  head  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Paul,  Jacob.     Enlisted  May  23d,  1864.     Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Price,  William.  Enlisted  February  16th,  1865.  Deserted  August  14th, 
1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Parkinson,  Isaac  W.  Enlisted  from  Wood's  Grove  February  22d, 
1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Willow,  111. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  G— PRIVATES.  497 

Root,  Pliny  F.  Enlisted  from  Greenwich,  Mass.,  August  6th,  1861. 
Died  at  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  of  chronic  diarrhoea,  December  31st,  1863. 

ROSS,  George.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  13th,  1861.  Discharged 
June  27th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Rayner,  Sylvester.  Enlisted  from  West  Bend,  Wis.,  September  9th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Roberts,  Charles  H.  L.  Enlisted  from  New  Genesee,  August  28th, 
1861.  Wounded  in  the  knee  September,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.; 
also  in  the  shoulder  and  face,  May  20th,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Mustered  out  October,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Rowley,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Homer  September  10th,  1861. 
Died  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  of  typhoid  fever,  February  20th,  1862. 

Rumsey,  Girard.  Enlisted  from  Manteno  September  25th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  July  29th,  1864.  Discharged  by  reason 
of  promotion  as  First  Lieutenant  of  Fifth  U.  S.  Colored  troops. 

Roberts,  Joseph.  Enlisted  October  5th,  1861,  as  drummer.  Dis 
charged  November  12th,  1861,  for  disability. 

Reeves,  Joseph  H.  Enlisted  from  Palos  February  29th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  16th,  1864;  limb  amputated.  Discharged 
March  18th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Reed,  Stephen  C.  Enlisted  from  Palos  December  31st,  1863.  Mus 
tered  out  with  the  regiment.  Is  living  at  Blue  Island,  111.,  engaged  in 
publishing  a  newspaper. 

Riche,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  December  31st,  1863. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Riley,  John.  Enlisted  December  14th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regi 
ment. 

Schermerhorn,  Almon  L.  Enlisted  from  Worth  August  6th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  neck  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Schermerhorn  was  never  able  for  duty  with  his  company  after  being 
wounded.  Was  Orderly  for  General  Osborn  at  Richmond,  Va.,  up  to  the 
close  of  the  war.  Is  living  at  Oxford,  Mich. 

Spencer,  W.  W.  Enlisted  from  Bainbridge,  Minn.,  August  15th,  1861. 
Promoted  Sergeant  July  2d,  1862.  Wounded  in  the  head  June  1st, 
1864,  in  intrenchments  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.  Died  of  wounds, 
at  Philadelphia,  July  5th,  1864. 

Smith,  Robert.  Enlisted  from  Sterling  August  9th,  1861.  Discharged 
September  9th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Sherwood,  Frank.  Enlisted  from  Shabbona  August  26th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1863.  Mustered  out  September  10th, 
1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Shabbona,  111. 

Spicer,  Daniel  W.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  February  29th,  1864. 
Died  in  Harwood  hospital,  Washington,  D.  C.,  April  14th,  1864. 

Shipley,    Thomas.     Enlisted   January    3d,    1865.     Discharged    July 
15th,  1865,  for  disability. 
82 


498  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Shafer,  John  N.  Enlisted  from  Scranton,  Pa.,  September  19th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment.  Is  living  at  Tippecanoe  City,  Ohio. 

Savitz,  James.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  the 
regiment.  ' 

Tyler,  James.  Enlisted  from  Lockport  August  13th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  2d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Turney,  Daniel  W.  Enlisted  from  Orland  March  7th,  1864.  Wound 
ed  in  the  face  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Turney  was  on  detached  service  at  Richmond  and  Portsmouth  from 
April  20th,  1865,  until  muster-out  of  service.     Is  living  at  Piper  City,  111. 

West,  James  B.  Enlisted  from  Homer  August  13th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  September  10th,  1864;  First  Sergeant  January  1st, 
1865;  First  Lieutenant,  May  10th,  1865.  (See  Lieutenant  West.) 

Ward,  Joseph  R.,  Jr.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  August  29th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  10th,  1864;  Sergeant  November 
1st,  1864;  Second  Lieutenant  October  16th,  1865.  (See  Lieutenant 
Ward.) 

Wagon  rod,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  September  12th,  1861. 
Died  on  Folly  Island,  S.  C.,  November  10th,  1863. 

Warren,  Richard.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  September  5th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Taken  prisoner  June  2d,  1864,  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.; 
was  sent  to  Andersonville,  Ga.,  and  endured  great  sufferings.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  May  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Warren,  Stephen  R.  Enlisted  from  Bremen  September  3d,  1861. 
Deserted  September  30th,  1861. 

Warren,  William.  Enlisted  from  Lyons,  Iowa,  September  3d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Weston,  Perry  E.  Enlisted  from  Shabbona  September  16th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  16th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Winder,  Joseph  K.  Enlisted  from  Lamoille  August  29th,  1861. 
Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Winder,  Lorenzo.  Enlisted  from  Lamoille  August  29th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  October  23d,  1862,  for  disability. 

Williams,  Henry  W.  Enlisted  from  Neoga  October  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  February  26th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Wad  hams,  Mortimer  C.  Enlisted  from  Joliet  October  14th,  1862. 
Died  of  small-pox,  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  Va.,  February  19th,  1865. 

Williams,  John.  Enlisted  February  7th,  1865.  Deserted  August  14th, 
1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va.  (Substitute.) 

Wells,  Mathew.  Enlisted  from  Orland  March  9th,  1864.  Wounded 
in  the  arm  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  taken  prisoner. 
Discharged  May  30th,  1865,  under  order  War  Department. 

Williams,  William  C.  W.  Enlisted  from  Palos  February  29th,  1864. 
Discharged  May  19th,  1865,  for  disability. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC.  499 

Walker,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Lockport  December  29th,  1863. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  October  7th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 
Is  living  at  Omaha,  Nebraska. 

Wolfe,  William.  Enlisted  from  Wood's  Grove  February  27th  1865 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Wengart,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Florence  May  15th,  1865.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 


SUMMAKY    OF    CASUALTIES,    ETC. 

Killed  in  battle lx 

Died  of  wounds g 

Died  in  prison 2 

Died  of  disease ^tj 

Wounded 50 

Lost  limbs 2 

Taken  prisoner g 

Transferred 10 

Discharged  for  disability 34 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 25 

Deserted 10 

Re-enlisted 41 

Number  originally  enlisted ; 101 

Recruits gg 

Mustered  out  with  regiment .  .  52 

Known  to  be  living 45 

Resigned 1 


CHAPTEE  XXX. 


Company    H — How    Recruited — Roster    and    Biographies — Summary   of 
Casualties,  etc. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  H. 

SKETCH   BY  WILLIAM   H.  MOBLEY. 

A  PEIL  13th,  1862,  E.  H.  Wilson  and  myself  went  from 
•^^  Farmer  City  to  Le  Eoy,  111.,  and  were  enlisted  by 
Harvey  Parks,  who  was  there  on  recruiting  service  for  Com 
pany  I,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers.  On  the  15th, 
with  one  other  recruit,  we  walked  to  Bloomington  and  there 
took  the  cars  for  Springfield,  111.,  and  were  assigned  to  the 
recruiting  barracks  at  Camp  Butler.  April  17th  Harvey 
Parks  went  back  to  the  regiment,  and  Charles  J.  Wilder 
took  charge  of  the  recruits.  There  were  eight  of  us  who 
were  recruited  for  the  Thirty-Ninth,  being  a  larger  number 
than  for  any  other  one  regiment  there  present,  and  we  or 
ganized  a  temporary  company,  calling  it  Company  H,  Thir 
ty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  selecting  C.  J.  Wilder  as  our 
Captain.  Being  a  "lost  company,"  we  were  kept  at  Camp 
Butler  to  guard  the  rebel  prisoners,  and  there  seemed  to  be 
no  prospect  of  getting  to  our  regiment  until  about  June  20th, 
1862,  when  Chauncey  Williams  of  Company  I  came  home 
on  recruiting  service  and  arrived  at  Camp  Butler  with  a  few 
men  whom  he  had  recruited  at  Le  Eoy.  He  was  a  favorite 
with  the  boys  from  the  start,  and  he  stated  that  if  he  was 
elected  their  Captain  he  would  take  us  to  our  regiment  at 
once.  During  the  time  we  had  been  at  Camp  Butler,  all 
recruits  who  arrived  in  camp,  and  who  had  not  been  as 
signed  to  any  particular  regiment,  and  who  had  no  choice  as 

500 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  H— OFFICERS.  5Q1 

to  where  they  went  so  long  as  they  got  to  the  front,  were 
assigned  to  our  barracks  until  we  had  a  company  numbering 
some  seventy  men  from  all  parts  of  the  State. 

On  June  30th,  1862,  we  held  an  election  for  officers 
which  resulted  in  the  choice  of 

CHAUNCEY  WILLIAMS,  CAPTAIN; 
CHARLES  J.  WILDER,  FIEST  LIEUTENANT; 
GEORGE  SEARING,  SECOND  LIEUTENANT; 

and  we  were  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  as  Com 
pany  H,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers,  dating  July  llth, 
1862.  July  16th  we  started  to  join  the  regiment  via  Indian 
apolis  and  Washington,  arriving  at  Harrison's  Landing,  Va., 
July  24th,  and  were  assigned  our  place  in  the  regiment. 
From  that  time  to  the  close  of  the  war  our  history  is  that  in 
common  with  the  regiment,  which  we  were  never  detached 
from,  but  were  a  part  thereof  at  all  times. 

This  company  participated  in  all  the  battles  that  the 
regiment  was  engaged  in  excepting  that  at  Drury's  Bluff, 
Va.,  May  16th,  1864,  when  it  was  detailed  as  the  guard  to 
an  ammunition  train.  It  was  proficient  in  drill,  excellent 
in  discipline,  and  did  noble  service  during  the  continuance 
of  the  war,  losing  many  officers  and  men  killed  in  battle, 
wounded,  and  taken  prisoners. 


EOSTEE  OF  COMPANY  H. 
Captain  Chauncey  Williams.    Commissioned  July  nth,  1862. 

Killed  while  leading  a  charge   on   the   enemy's   works  August  16th, 
•1864,  at  Deep  Run  or  Bottom,  Va. 

The  last  words  of  Captain  Williams  were —  "  Boys,  we  will  go  into 
those  pits,  or  die!"  A  rebel  bullet  pierced  his  brain,  killing  him  at  once. 
The  Captain  enlisted  in  Company  I  and  served  as  First  Sergeant  until 
June,  1862,  when  he  was  sent  back  on  recruiting  service;  and  having 
organized  Company  H,  was  discharged  and  commissioned.  He  was  a  brave 
soldier  and  always  did  his  full  duty  cheerfully  and  without  question,  and 
met  a  soldier's  death  in  a  most  gallant  and  heroic  manner.  It  has  been 
impossible  to  learn  anything  about  his  early  history — which  is  to  be 
regretted. 


502  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Captain  William  Downs.  Commissioned  March  31st,  1865. 
Wounded  in  the  side  August  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

The  Captain  was  a  good  soldier  and  made  a  popular  officer.  Noth 
ing  is  known  of  his  antecedents  or  what  has  become  of  him. 

First  Lieutenant   Charles  J.  Wilder.     Commissioned  March 

22d,  1862.  Killed  October  13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Lieutenant  Wilder  was  killed  while  leading  a  charge  upon  the 
enemy's  works  and  was  buried  at  the  foot  of  a  tree  near  where  he  fell,  and 
his  comrades  cut  his  name  in  the  bark.  He  was  a  brave  and  fearless  officer 
much  respected  by  his  command.  Nothing  is  known  of  his  early  history. 

First    Lieutenant   William    Downs.    Commissioned    October 

13th,  1864.     Promoted  Captain  March  31st,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  William    Harrison.     Commissioned  March 

31st,  1865.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 
Harrison  was  a  brave  soldier  and  made  a  good  record. 

Second    Lieutenant   George    Searing.    Commissioned   July 

10th,  1862.     Resigned  September  10th,  1864. 

Nothing  is  known  of  Lieutenant  Searing  since  he  left  the  service. 
First    Sergeant  Walter   Harrington.    Enlisted  from  Chicago 

February  1st,  1862.  Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  ankle  May  20th,  1864, 
at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Wounded  again,  August  16th,  1864,  in 
the  thigh.  Discharged  April  4th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Sergeant  William  Downs.  Enlisted  from  Downs  April  1st,  1862. 
Promoted  First  Lieutenant  October  13th,  1864;  and  Captain  March 
31st,  1865. 

Sergeant  William  C.  Mitchell.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  April 
5th,  1862.  Mustered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is 
living  at  Stewart,  Iowa. 

Sergeant  James  Smith.  Enlisted  from  Pecatonica  March  17th, 
1862.  Mustered  out  March  23d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Sergeant  William  Harrison.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines 
February  16th,  1862.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  March  31st,  1865. 

Corporal  E.  H.  Wilson.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  April  14th, 
1862.  Promoted  Sergeant  January  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  May  9th, 
1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Corporal  Z.  M.  Wilkins.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  April  14th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  back  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant  January,  1865.  Mustered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  ex 
piration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Pineville,  Missouri. 

Corporal  A.  Mendenhall.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  March  15th, 
1862.  Wounded  in  the  foot  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Mustered  out  April  14th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
Havana,  Kansas. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  H— PRIVATES.  5Q3 

Corporal  William  B.  Cain.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  March 
13th,  1862.  Reduced  to  ranks  May  1st,  1863.  Mustered  out  March 
23d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Corporal  Charles  Barry.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  Febru 
ary  1st,  1862.  Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  20th,  1864,  at 
battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Died  June  17th  1864,  from  his 
wounds. 

Corporal   Alvin  Whittaker.    Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  13th, 

1862.  Veteran.     Wounded   in    neck    and   hand   May    16th,    1864,  at 
Drury's  Bluff,  Va.     Taken  prisoner.     Mustered  out  July   15th,  1865, 
at  expiration  of  service.     Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Corporal  J.  L.  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  May  10th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va.  Mustered  out  Mferch  23d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is 
living  at  Clinton,  111. 

Corporal  James  Armstrong.  Enlisted  July  14th,  1862.  Re 
duced  to  the  ranks  May  19th,  1863.  Wounded  in  the  foot  August  15th, 

1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.;  suffered    amputation   of   part   of   foot. 
Discharged  November  3d,  1864,  for  disability  from  wounds. 


PRIVATES. 

Allahan,  William  S.  Enlisted  from  Polo  February  1st,  1862.  Dis 
charged  March  3d,  1863,  for  disability. 

Allen,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  April  10th,  1862.  Deserted 
October  30th,  1862. 

Aldridge,  LawSOn.  Enlisted  February  22d,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Allen,  James.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Angelen,  HickS.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Beachy,  J.  F.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  February  1st,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  June  2d,  1864,  at  battle  near  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va;  arm  amputated.  Mustered  out  March  3d,  1865,  at  expiration  of 
service. 

Boy d,  Hiram  C.  Enlisted  from  Old  Town  February  12th,  1862.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  March  20th,  1863.  Wounded  June  2d,  1864,  in  the 
thigh.  Mustered  out  March  3d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Brown,  Ebenezer.  Enlisted  from  Downs  March  1st,  1862.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  April  16th,  1865;  Sergeant  June  20th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Brown  was  injured  in  the  side  while  assisting  in  unloading  a  vessel 
at  the  foot  of  Folly  Island,  S.  C.  Is  living  at  Saunemin,  111.,  engaged  in 
farming. 

Brown,  John  J.  Enlisted  from  Downs  March  1st,  1862.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  May  16th,  1865;  Sergeant  June  20th,  1865.  Is 
living  at  Solomon,  111. 


504  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Brightman,  William.     Enlisted  March  1st,  1862.     Died  of  disease, 
in  general  hospital  at  St.  Augustine,  Florida. 

Birch,  William.  Enlisted  from  Ashmore  February  2d,  1862.  Wound 
ed  June  2d,  1862;  also  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg, 
Va.  Mustered  out  June  2d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living 
at  Kansas,  111. 

Bailey,  James  B.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  July  2d,  1862.  Deserted 
July  16th,  1862. 

Brennan,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  29th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  20th,  1864.  Died  in  hospital,  June  22d, 
1864,  from  wounds. 

Bartlett,  Asher.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865.  , 

Breckenberg,  Charles.  Enlisted  March  2d,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Baddow,  Fred.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th, 1865. 

Burton,  Samuel  J.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Cherry,  Luke.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  1st,  1862.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  and  shoulder,  and  taken  prisoner  August  16th, 
1864,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Cherry  died  at  Chicago,  111.,  October  7th,  1887,  from  what  the  doctor 
in  attendance  called  a  fit  of  apoplexy.  For  some  years  prior  to  his  death 
he  had  suffered  from  lung  and  heart  trouble,  due  indirectly  to  his  wounds, 
and  became  partly  paralyzed  in  the  left  arm.  After  leaving  the  service  he 
was  employed  most  of  the  time  as  janitor  of  a  building  in  Chicago. 

Carr,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  13th,  1862.  Transferred 
to  Company  I  August  1st,  1862. 

CrottS,  Silas.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1862.  Killed  September  23d, 
1863,  at  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C. 

Casey,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  28th,  1862.  Veteran. 
Taken  prisoner  October  13th,  1864;  paroled  and  exchanged.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Clifford,  George  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  4th,  1864. 
Discharged  by  order  of  War  Department  July  7th,  1864. 

Corrigan,  William.  Enlisted  from  Mt.  Pleasant  June  21st,  1862. 
Deserted  August  3d,  1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Conlin,  Owen.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  24th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Clayton,  Francis  M.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Rocklin,  California. 

Campbell,  Alexander.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  May  14th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Cal beck,  William.  Enlisted  February  28th,  1865.  Promoted  Corporal 
May  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  H— PRIVATES.  5Q5 

Cochlin,  Davis.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  February  18th,  1862.  Wounded 
in  the  thigh  August  16th,  1864.  Died  in  hospital,  August  20th,  1864, 
from  wounds. 

Creswell,  Samuel.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1865.  Discharged  August 
18th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Dickinson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Pittsfield  April  5th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Davis,  Isaac  T.  Enlisted  from  Monticello  June  28th,  1862.  Deserted 
October  13th,  1863. 

Derrick,  Albert.  Enlisted  from  Padua  February  12th,  1864.  Wounded 
in  leg  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mustered 
out  July  25th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Donald,  George.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1865,  under  the  name  of 
John  O'Brien,  in  order  to  elude  his  guardians  and  get  into  the  service. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

DickSOn,  John.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Donahue,  Patrick.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Everett,  Eli  J.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  6th,  1862.  Transferred 
to  Company  I  August  1st,  1862. 

Edminston,  M.  B.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1862.  Promoted  Corporal, 
and  discharged  October  9th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Eastman,  James  P.  Enlisted  from  Pecatonica  May  1st,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  foot  June  7th,  1864.  Mustered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at 
expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Rivermore,  Minn. 

Goff,  James  O.  Enlisted  from  Pecatonica  March  17th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  March  25th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Gairon,  Ulmer.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  February  27th,  1862. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  November  4th,  1864;  Sergeant  April 
2d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Gardner,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Delta  September  llth,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  from  Company  F  August  1st,  1862.  Mustered  out  September 
10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Gardner,  Mahlon.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  llth,  1861. 
Veteran.  Transferred  from  Company  I  August  1st,  1862.  Promoted 
Corporal  September  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is 
living  at  Saybrook,  111. 

Hager,  J.  D.  B.  Enlisted  March  18th,  1862.  Mustered  out  March  23d, 
1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Hag  ins,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  April  14th,  1862.  Wounded 
in  the  arm  May  20th,  1864.  Mustered  out  June  20th,  1865,  at  expira 
tion  of  service. 

Hornberger,  George.  Enlisted  from  Vermillion  June  21st,  1862. 
Wounded  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Mustered 
out  June  20th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Howell,  William.  Enlisted  from  Cerro  Gordo  June  28th,  1862.  Killed 
August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 


506  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Johnson,  William.  Enlisted  from  Hitesville  June  16th,  1862.  Wound 
ed  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered  out  June  20th,  1865, 
at  expiration  of  service. 

Jared,  Thomas.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Promoted  Corporal  May 
10th,  1865;  Sergeant  September  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Johnson,  William    H.     Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.     Deserted  October 

27th,  1865. 

King,  George  B.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  March  4th,  1862.  Died  at 
Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  of  disease,  August  7th,  1863. 

Kimbler,  Charles  W.  Enlisted  from  Downs  May  28th,  1862.  Wound 
ed  and  taken  prisoner  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va.  Mustered 
out  June  28th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Kohn,  John.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

KautZ,  George.  Enlisted  March  31st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Lucas,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Randolph  March  1st,  1862.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  May 
10th,  1865.  Discharged  June  24th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Lewis,  Lorenzo.  Enlisted  from  Clark  June  26th,  1862.  Mustered 
out  June  20th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Champaign, 
Illinois. 

Lakey,  James  A.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.  Promoted  Corporal 
September  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Lattimer,  Louis.  Enlisted  February  15th,  1865.  Discharged  May 
27th,  1865,  for  disability. 

Lawrence,  Daniel  W.  Enlisted  March  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Lace,  Philip  M.  Enlisted  from  Pontiac  January  5th,  1864.  Pro 
moted  Principal  Musician.  (See  Regimental  Band.) 

Maloney,  Richard.  Enlisted  from  Wilmington  March  13th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  March  23d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Morley,  William  R.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  April  13th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

After  leaving  the  service  Morley  engaged  in  teaching,  and  subse 
quently  held  various  responsible  clerkships  in  Government  office  and  else 
where.  Is  now  living  at  Farmer  City,  111.,  engaged  in  the  grocery  business. 
He  is  the  permanent  Secretary  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Veteran  Asso 
ciation. 

McNally,  John.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  6th,  1861.  Promoted 
Corporal  July  24th,  1862.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  November  3d,  1862. 
Transferred  to  the  Fourth  U.  S.  Artillery  December  5th,  1862. 

Martin,  Daniel  J.  J.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  June  13th,  1862. 
Mustered  out  June  20th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
Maricmville,  Mo. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  H— PRIVATES.  507 

Mott,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  1st,  1862.  Trans 
ferred  to  the  U.  S.  Signal  Corps,  April  23d,  1863. 

McGinnis,  William.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  February  1st, 
1862.  Deserted  July  4th,  1862. 

Morgan,  E.  A.  Enlisted  from  Paris  June  28th,  1862.  Died  April  1st, 
1865. 

Morris,  William  M.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1865.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865. 

Miller,  John  B.  Enlisted  April  8th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Middleton,   Daniel.     Enlisted  April  4th,  1862.     Deserted  August  3d, 

1865. 
Newport,  Henry.     Enlisted  from  Paris  June  19th,  1862.     Wounded 

in  the  leg   August   16th,    1864.     Mustered   out   June   20th,    1865,    at 

expiration  of  service.     Is  living  at  Mt.  Carmel,  111. 

Need  ham,  Washington.  Enlisted  March  31st,  1865.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

O'Harra,  James.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  April  5th,  1862.  Dis 
charged  November  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Owens,  Thomas.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

PottS,  Frederick.  Veteran.  Enlisted  from  Randolph  March  1st, 
1862.  Promoted  Corporal  January  13th,  1865;  Sergeant  March  20th, 
1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Gibson,  111. 

PottS,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Randolph  March  31st,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Hey- 
worth,  111.  (The  Adjutant  General's  report  says  he  lost  a  leg.) 

Preeler,  J.  Frank.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  1st,  1862.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darby  town  Cross-Roads,  Va.; 
leg  amputated.  Taken  prisoner;  paroled  and  exchanged.  Mustered 
out  October  17th,  1865,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Kingston  Mines, 
Illinois. 

Porter,  James  H.  Enlisted  March  16th,  1862.  Veteran.  Wounded 
in  the  head  November  1st,  1863,  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.  Deserted 
August  3d,  1865. 

Pickens,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Paris  June  17th,  1862.  Trans 
ferred  to  Fourth  U.  S.  Artillery  November  4th,  1862. 

Porter,  John  S.  Enlisted  March  3d,  1862.  Transferred  to  Company 
C,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  April  1st,  1863. 

Phillips,  Gideon.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  12th,  1864. 
Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Price,  Robert.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Russell,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  April  5th,  1862.  Trans 
ferred  to  the  U.  S.  Artillery. 

Rush,  James.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  April  5th,  1862.  Died  Au 
gust  8th,  1862,  from  disease. 


508  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Robinson,  Hiram.  Enlisted  from  Fairbury  March  29th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  side  and  hip  September  7th,  1864,  near  Petersburg, 
Va.  Mustered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Rose,  Henry  C.  Enlisted  from  Pittsfield  April  5th,  1862.  Taken 
prisoner  January  5th,  1863.  Died  in  Andersonville  prison,  Ga.,  Sep 
tember  27th,  1864. 

Reese>  AmOS  B.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  24th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  left  thigh  May  23d,  1864,  near  Hatcher's  Run,  Va.  Died 
in  hospital,  from  wounds,  June  22d,  1864. 

Spong,  John.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  February  27th,  1862. 
Veteran.  Discharged  June  26th,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department. 
Is  living  at  Everton,  Mo. 

Spong,  Augustus.  Enlisted  from  Kingston  Mines  February  27th, 
1862.  Discharged  May  27th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Glass- 
ford,  111. 

Shackley,  Joseph.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  April  7th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  May  9th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Seymour,  William  H.  Enlisted  from  Thornton  March  12th,  1862. 
Deserted  May  12th,  1863. 

Savage,  Patrick.  Enlisted  March  12th,  1862.  Drowned  in  the  San- 
gamon  river,  Illinois,  June,  1862. 

Smith,  Isaac.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  25th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  20th,  1864,  and  August  16th,  1864.  Transferred  to 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps  April  17th,  1865. 

Smith,  William.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  25th,  1864. 
Died  in  hospital,  of  disease,  September,  1864. 

Schaefer,  Frank.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  31st,  1864.  Taken 
prisoner  October  2d,  1864.  Not  heard  from  since;  supposed  died  in 
prison. 

Sweiger,  Jacob.  Enlisted  February  25th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Shoudorf,  Ferdinand.  Enlisted  February  27th,  1865.  Deserted 
June  22d,  1865,  at  Richmond,  Va. 

Straub,  Jacob.  Enlisted  April  6th,  1865.  Deserted  October  27th, 
1865,  at  Norfolk,  Va. 

Sutter,  John.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th, 
1865. 

Taylor,  Richard.  Enlisted  March  12th,  1862.  Deserted  May  25th, 
1862,  at  Springfield,  111. 

Trumble,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  March  1st,  1862. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads.  Died  in 
hospital,  from  wounds. 

Taylor,  John.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  February  1st,  1862.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  May  24th,  1865.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  June  10th, 
1865.  Mustered  out  June  2()th,  1865.  ' 

Twigger,  George.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  25th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  as  Corporal  December  6th,  1865. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  H— PRIVATES.  509 

Tovera,  Thomas  J.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  July  1st,  1862. 
Mustered  out  June  20th.  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at 
Le  Roy,  111. 

VanSchoick,  John.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  April  8th,  1862.  Trans 
ferred  to  Company  I  September,  1862. 

Valentine,  William.  Enlisted  March  4th,  1865.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  June  28th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Wardram,  R.  S.  C.  Enlisted  March  4th,  1862.  Mustered  out  March 
23d,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Topeka,  Kansas. 

Wardram,  Charles  A.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  March  4th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  arm  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  March  23d,  1865, 
at  expiration  of  service. 

Wardram  was  a  letter-carrier  for  some  years  in  Chicago,  since  which 
he  has  been  engaged  at  his  trade,  that  of  carpenter.  Is  living  at  Topeka, 
Kansas. 

Williams,  William.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  llth,  1862. 
Deserted  June  22d,  1862,  at  Springfield,  111. 

Wyatt,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  April  8th,  1862.  Mus 
tered  out  July  13th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Wilson,  John  S.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  August  20th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Transferred  from  Company  I,  September  1st,  1862.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  May  1st,  1863.  Discharged  July  7th,  1865,  for  dis 
ability. 

WestOn,  James  D.  Enlisted  March  4th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Worthy,  Henry.  Enlisted  April  7th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 


510  SUMMARY   OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 5 

Died  of  wounds 5 

Died  of  disease 5 

Died  in  prison 1 

Drowned 1 

Taken  prisoner 8 

Wounded 29 

Lost  limbs 3 

Discharged  for  disability 11 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 32 

Deserted 13 

Transferred 7 

Number  originally  enlisted 77 

Recruits 55 

Re-enlisted .  .  13 

Number  returned  home  at  muster-out 51 

Number  known  to  be  living  (1889) 30 


CHAPTEB  XXXI. 


Company  I — How  Recruited— Roster  and  Biographies— Summary  of  Cas 
ualties,  Etc. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  I. 
rpHIS  company  was  principally  recruited  at  Le  Roy,  Illi- 

iiois,  by  Hiram  M.  Phillips,  who  had  seen  some  service 
in  the  Mexican  war  as  a  soldier,  and  found  but  little  diffi 
culty  in  gathering  men  to  his  standard  for  the  "three  years' 
service."  It  was  organized  011  September  6th,  and  mustered 
into  the  service  October  llth,  1861,  at  Camp  Mather,  Chi 
cago. 

Company  I  took  part  in  the  skirmish  with  Jackson's 
forces  at  Bath,  Ya.,  some  of  the  time  being  011  the  skirmish 
line  or  outpost  duty ;  but  the  chief  duty  given  to  it  on  the 
4th  of  January  was  supporting  Lieutenant  Muhlenberg's 
Artillery  in  its  position  on  Warm  Spring  Eidge.  It  was  a 
magnificent  body  of  men — the  majority  of  them  were  large 
in  form,  robust  in  muscle,  young  and  spirited, — and  at  the 
time  of  muster  into  the  United  States  service  was  nearly 
full  to  the  maximum  limit.  It  took  part  in  all  the  battles, 
skirmishes  and  movements  of  the  regiment,  doing  its  full 
duty  in  the  most  acceptable  manner. 

The  First  and  Second  Lieutenants  were  both  killed  in 
action — one  (Lemon)  on  the  16th  day  of  August,  1864,  at 
Deep  Run,  Va. ;  and  the  other  (Fellows)  on  the  6th  day  of 
September  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va. 

Forty-one  of  the  original  members  accepted  veteran 
honors  in  January,  1864,  determined  to  see  the  finish  of  the 

511 


512  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

war  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  The  roster  will  show  how 
many  of  these  were  permitted  to  return  home  at  the  muster- 
out  of  the  regiment.  It  is  perhaps  unnecessary  to  say  that 
it  always  maintained  a  high  order  of  discipline  under  the 
old  veteran,  Captain  Phillips,  who  was  wounded  and  taken 
to  Libby  prison  the  16th  of  May,  1864 

The  survivors,  now  numbering  some  seventy,  and  who 
are  widely  scattered,  are  fully  justified  in  calling  it  the  ban 
ner  company  of  the  regiment. 


KOSTER  OF  COMPANY  I. 

Captain  Hiram  M.Phillips.  Commissioned  September  6th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle 
of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  December  5th,  1864,  at  expiration 
of  service. 

Captain  Phillips  was  born  in  Piketon,  Pike  county,  Ohio,  February 
1st,  1822.  When  he  was  seven  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  with  him 
to  Indiana,  where  his  youth  was  spent  in  attending  school  and  in  teaching. 
When  he  had  reached  his  twenty-fourth  year  he  enlisted  in  Company  G, 
First  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers,  Colonel  John  J.  Harding  commanding, 
for  the  Mexican  war,  and  served  for  one  year,  that  being  the  term  of  his 
enlistment.  During  that  period  he  participated  in  the  battle  of  Buena 
Vista  under  General  Taylor.  After  his  return  from  Mexico  he  settled  in 
Illinois,  which  has  since  been  his  home. 

September  6th,  1861,  he  commenced  the  organization  of  a  company 
for  the  civil  war,  and  in  a  short  time,  with  the  assistance  of  Emory  L. 
Waller  and  Albert  W.  Fellows,  had  nearly  the  full  complement  of  men,  and 
started  with  it  for  Chicago,  where  it  was  assigned  as  Company  I,  in  the 
Thirty -Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers* 

On  the  16th  day  of  May,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  he 
was  wounded  in  the  hand  and  taken  prisoner,  and  was  confined  in  Libby 
prison,  Richmond,  Va.,  for  three  months  and  eight  days,  when  he  was 
paroled  and  sent  to  Annapolis,  Md.,  where  he  was  discharged  from  the 
service  on  account  of  disability.  He  had  then  served  for  three  years  and 
four  months,  and  was  more  than  entitled  to  "  muster-out "  by  reason  of 
expiration  of  service. 

After  his  discharge  Captain  Phillips  returned  to  his  home  at  Le  Roy, 
111.,  much  broken  in  health  from  his  long  service  and  imprisonment,  and 
on  January  24th,  1877,  he  was  stricken  down  with  paralysis,  and  since  that 
time  has  been  a  helpless  invalid,  never  having  been  able  in  the  past  twelve 
years  to  walk  one  step  unassisted.  The  Government,  however,  has  been 


1.     CAPT.  G.  O.  SNOWDEN,  Co.  D.        2.     W.  O.   L.  JEWETT,  Co.   E.  3.     LIEUT.  EMILE  GUNTZ,  Co.  K. 

4.     EDWARD  HIRST,  Co.   I.  5.     CAPT.   E.  C.   MYERS,  Co.  K.         6.     CAPT.  SAM'L  GILLMORE,  Co.  I. 

7.     CAPT.  JAS.   H.  HOOKER,  Co.  E.     8.     J.   M.  HAZZARD,  Co.  E.  9.     QUARTERMASTER  S.  W.  HOFFMAN. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  I— OFFICERS.  513 

generous  towards  him  in  the  matter  of  pension,  and  he  is  enabled  to  live 
in  some  comfort  in  so  far  as  bread  and  butter  is  concerned,  but  nothing 
can  ever  compensate  him  for  his  loss  of  health,  and  great  suffering,  these 
many  years. 

Captain  Phillips  was  noble  in  his  manhood,  brave  and  fearless  in  the 
performance  of  duty;  he  was  loved  by  the  men  he  commanded  and  had  the 
respect  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  intensely  patriotic,  and  a  great  lover 
of  the  "old  flag;"  and  to-day,  amid  all  his  privation  and  suffering,  he  gives 
voice  to  the  sentiment  "  Long  may  the  starry  flag  of  my  country  wave, — 
the  pride  and  delight  of  all  her  citizens — the  envy  of  the  whole  world!  " 
The  Captain  is  now  living  at  No.  911  N.  Prairie  street,  Bloomington,  111. 

Captain  Samuel  Gillmore.  Wounded  in  both  thighs  May  16th, 
1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Was  retained  as  an  officer  in 
the  Freedman's  Bureau  after  muster  out  of  the  regiment,  December 
6th,  1865.  Was  mustered  out  March  20th,  1866. 

Samuel  Gillmore  was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  July  25th,  1838; 
removed  to  McLean  county,  Illinois,  in  the  year  1852.  He  was  raised  on  a 
farm,  where  his  youth  and  early  manhood  were  spent.  At  the  age  of  twen 
ty-three  years  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers, 
joining  his  company  at  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  While  at  Harri 
son's  Landing,  Va.,  he  was  taken  sick  with  typhoid  pneumonia  and  was 
sent  to  the  hospital  at  Bedloe's  Island,  New  York  harbor.  This  was  in 
August,  1862,  and  he  rejoined  the  regiment  while  it  was  at  Suffolk,  Va.,  in 
December,  1862.  May  16th,  1864,  he  was  wounded  through  both  hips  by  a 
musket  ball,  and  sent  to  hospital,  and  was  absent  from  his  company  until 
the  following  September.  These  were  the  only  occasions  when  he  was 
absent  from  duty  at  the  front. 

Captain  Gillmore  was  a  thorough  soldier,  and  by  strict  attention  to 
duty,  and  the  accidents  of  war,  rose  from  the  grade  of  Sergeant  to  that  of 
Captain  commanding  the  company  in  the  period  of  four  months  time.  At 
the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865,  he  was  the  first  man  to  reach 
the  parapet  of  the  fort,  not  because  of  his  being  more  eager  or  brave,  but 
because  he  could  run  faster,  as  he  states.  He  claims  the  honor  of  com 
manding  the  first  body  of  infantry  troops  that  opened  fire  upon  the  rebels 
between  Appomattox  Station  and  Appomattox  Court-House,  as  he  led 
Companies  I  and  F  on  the  skirmish  line  that  morning  of  April  9th,  1865. 

Captain  Gillmore  occupied  many  responsible  positions  after  the  sur 
render  of  Lee.  He  was  the  Provost-marshal  at  City  Point,  Va.,  in  July, 
1865;  also  Provost-marshal  and  Provost  Judge  of  the  Southeastern  District 
of  Virginia,  with  headquarters  at  Norfolk.  He  was  also  on  the  staff  of 
Major-General  A.  T.  A.  Torbert,  commanding  at  Norfolk;  and  later  on  was 
detached  for  service  in  the  Bureau  of  R.  F.  and  A.  lands  in  Southampton 
county,  Va.,  being  retained  until  March  20th,  1866,  when  he  was  mustered 
out  of  the  service.  He  is  now  residing  at  Chase,  Kansas. 


514  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

First  Lieutenant  Emory  L.  Waller.  Commissioned  Septem 
ber  6th,  1861.  Resigned  January  4th,  1862. 

Nothing  is  known  of  Lieutenant  Waller  since  he  left  the  service. 

First   Lieutenant   James  D.  Lemon.    Wounded  in  the  breast 

August  16th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.     Died  in  hospital, 
from  his  wounds,  August  20th,  1864. 

Nothing  is  known  concerning  Lieutenant  Lemon's  early  history.  He 
was  a  brave  man,  very  quiet  in  manner  but  of  a  genial  and  social  nature, 
and  was  much  respected  by  all  who  knew  him. 

First  Lieutenant  Samuel  Gillmore.   Promoted  Captain,  August 

20th,  1864,  vice  Phillips,  mustered  out. 

First  Lieutenant  Joseph    W.    Neal.    Wounded  in  the  thigh 

June  16th,  1864.      Wounded  in  left  arm,  April  2d,  1865;  arm  ampu 
tated.     Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

In  August  and  September,  1865,  Lieutenant  Neal  served  as  Provost- 
marshal  of  the  Steamer  "  Georgiana,"  and  was  the  Assistant  Provost-mar 
shal  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  October,  November  and  part  of  December,  1865. 
The  Lieutenant  was  an  excellent  and  deserving  soldier  and  gallantly  won 
his  bar.  He  is  living  at  Hillsdale,  Kansas. 

Second  Lieutenant  Albert  W.  FellOWS.  Commissioned  Sep 
tember  6th,  1861.  Killed  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  June  2d,  1864, 
near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  we  have  no  further  record  of  this 
capable  and  worthy  man  and  soldier.  He  was  killed  on  the  field  while 
confronting  the  enemy.  He  possessed  many  noble  qualities  of  heart  and 
head,  and  was  much  respected  by  the  men  under  his  command  and  his  fel 
low  officers.  He  entered  the  regiment  from  Santa  Anna,  111. 

Second  Lieutenant  Samuel  Gillmore.  Promoted  First  Lieu 
tenant  September  5th,  1864,  vice  Lemon,  died  of  wounds. 

Second    Lieutenant   Noah    L.  Robinson.    Not  mustered  on 

commission.     Mustered    out    December  6th,   1865,  at  expiration  of 
service,  as  First  Sergeant. 

First  Sergeant  L.  H.  Parks.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September 
4th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  June  27th,  1862.  Mustered  out 
September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Died  in  1887. 

Sergeant  Chauncey  Williams.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  Septem 
ber  4th,  1861.  Transferred  to  Company  H  and  commissioned 
Captain.  (See  Company  H.) 

Sergeant  O.  P.  Nelson.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  14th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  26th,  1862;  paroled  and 
exchanged.  Taken  prisoner  again,  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff, 
Va.  Died  in  prison. 

Sergeant  W.  C.  McMurry.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September 
4th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Mustered  out  March  16th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  I— PRIVATES.  515 

Sergeant  J.  D.  Lemon.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th, 
1861.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  June  14th,  1862. 

Sergeant  Joseph  W.  Neal.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  Septem 
ber  4th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  First  Lieutenant  February  7th, 
1865. 

Corporal  Franklin  Kimbler.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September 
4th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  March  6th,  1862.  Mustered  out 
September  llth,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy, 
Illinois. 

Corporal  John  A.  Bean.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September 
4th,  1861.  Reduced  to  the  ranks  March  6th,  1862.  Killed  October 
27th,  1864,  in  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near  Darbytown  Cross- 
Roads,  Va. 

Corporal  Noah  L.  Robinson.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September 
4th,  1861.  Promoted  First  Sergeant  February  7th,  1865,  and  Second 
Lieutenant  October  4th,  1865,  but  was  not  mustered.  Died  in  1886. 

Corporal  E.  H.  Keith.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Transferred  and  promoted  Hospital  Steward,  U.  S.  Army,  Septem 
ber  2d,  1862. 

Corporal  Joseph  W-  Neal.  Enlisted  September  4th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  First  Sergeant  September  5th,  1864. 

Corporal  William  W.  Lyon.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th, 
1861.  Discharged  July  7th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Cadmus, 
Kansas. 

Corporal  C.  W.  Clearwater.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  Septem 
ber  4th,  1861.  Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Corporal  Thomas  J.  Johnson.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  Sep 
tember  4th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  January  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Farmer  City,  111. 


PRIVATES. 

Bailey,  Perry.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Brown,  John  F.  Enlisted  from  McLean  county  September  4th,  1861. 
Wounded  June  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at 
expiration  of  service. 

Brennan,  James.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  1st,  1864;  Sergeant  April 
2d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Berry,  John.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  Oc 
tober  18th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Bailey,  David.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Killed  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 

Bean,  B.  L.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Discharged 
November  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 


516  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Bowen,  James  R.  Enlisted  from  Champaign  October  3d,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Baker,  Israel  S.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  18th,  1861. 
Drowned  May  30th,  1863,  at  Folly  Island,  S.  C. 

Bishop,  Reese.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  18th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Sergeant-Ma j  or  and  transferred  to  non-commissioned  staff 
July  15th,  1862.  (See  Non-Commissioned  Staff.) 

Beard,  John  P.  S.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  13th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  June  2d,  1864.  Died  of  disease,  at  Springfield, 
111.,  February  1st,  1865. 

Blandin,  John  K.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  February  16th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  hip  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 
Discharged  May  31st,  1865,  by  order  War  Department. 

Baker,  James  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  28th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  neck  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

BeanblOSSOm,   Ira.     Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.     (Substitute.) 

Craig,  L.  E.  W.  Enlisted  September  4th,  1861.  Taken  prisoner  May 
20th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.  Discharged  June  28th,  1862. 

Carr,  James.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  September  5th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Clark,  Lake.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  14th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  28th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Winchester, 
Kansas. 

Creagar,  James  B.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  6th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Sergeant  June  27th,  1862.  Wounded  in  the  breast 
October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Discharged  July 
8th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 

Carr,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  13th,  1862.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Craig,  John.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  18th,  1861.  Died  of  dis 
ease,  in  South  Carolina  (Folly  Island),  November  22d,  1863. 

COSS,  Alexander.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  23d,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  May  1st,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  leg  May  16th,  1864, 
at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Discharged  August  5th,  1865,  for  disability 
from  wounds. 

Clark,  Marion.  Enlisted  from  Champaign  October  16th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  May  31st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Charleston,  Richard  C.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  13th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  26th,  1864,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  pa 
roled  and  exchanged.  Promoted  Corporal  October  9th,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Collins,  James.  Enlisted  from  New  York  City  August  28th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Canady,  Calvin.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  26th,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Canady,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  26th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  I— PRIVATES.  517 

CoatS,  A.  D.  Enlisted  from  Franklin  county  April  llth,  1865.  Mus 
tered  out  August  18th,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department. 

Draper,  Abraham.  Enlisted  from  Mahomet  September  14th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  arm  and  side  October  13th,  1864,  at  battle  of 
Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Died  in  hospital,  from  wounds,  October 
15th,  1864. 

Dunlap,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Cheny's  Grove  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  27th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865,  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Stanford,  111. 

Don  Carlos,  Thomas.  Enlisted  December  28th,  1863.  Discharged 
September  1st,  1864,  for  disability.  (Not  in  Adjutant  General's 
report.) 

Davis,  James  M.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  22d,  1864.  Wound 
ed  in  the  head  October  13th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  April  4th, 
1865.  Is  living  at  Dewey,  111. 

Dill,  Willis  A.  Enlisted  April  4th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Everett,  E.  J.  Enlisted  February  6th,  1862.  Veteran.  Wounded  in 
the  shoulder  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Everett,  T.  J.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  1st,  1861.  Mustered 
out  October  8th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Dodge 
City,  Kansas. 

Ford,  Newton  J.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  9th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  and  neck  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Was  taken  prisoner,  and  died  in  prison  October  15th,  1864. 

Good  in,  Hiram.  Enlisted  from  De  Witt  February  4th,  1861.  Wound 
ed  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered  out  July  22d,  1864, 
at  expiration  of  service. 

Grooms,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  26th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.; 
paroled  and  exchanged.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Grooms,  Irwin  M.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  17th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  October  24th,  1865. 

Gardner,  Mahlon.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  17th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Transferred  to  Company  H  August  1st,  1862.  Is  living  at 
Saybrook,  111. 

Gardner,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Delta  September  17th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Company  H  August  1st,  1862.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy, 
Illinois. 

Gesford,  William.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  19th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  18th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Grooms,  Martin  V.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  22d,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  May  26th,  1862,  at  Strasburgh,  Va.;  paroled  and 
exchanged.  Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at 
White  Heath,  111. 

Griffith,  Daniel.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  November  10th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  shoulder,  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  Novem 
ber  10th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 


518  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Gillmore,  Samuel.  Enlisted  October  16th,  1861.  Veteran.  Pro 
moted  Corporal;  to  Sergeant  June  27th,  1862. 

Goltra,  Joseph  W.  Enlisted  from  Lincoln  October  19th,  1861. 
Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  November  15th,  1863. 

GibbS,  Simeon.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  4th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  October  14th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Green,  Martin  R.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  January  1st,  1864.  Deserted 
September  24th,  1864. 

Graham,  Joseph.  Enlisted  April  10th,  1865.  (Substitute.)  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Hurley,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Killed  May  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 

Hoover,  John.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  August  18th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C. 

Hallo  way,  Philip  M.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Farmer  City,  111. 

Hurst,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  6th,  1861. 
Killed  in  battle  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Hirst,  James.  Enlisted  from  Champaign  October  2d,  1861.  Dis 
charged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability  that  originated  from  a  cold 
contracted  in  fording  the  Potomac  "river,  January  4th,  1862.  Is 
living  at  Farmer  City,  111. 

Hand,  John  M.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  20th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  20th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is 
living  at  Lawrenceburg,  Kansas. 

Hoover,  Columbus.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  21st, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  llth,  1862;  Sergeant  Oc 
tober  10th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at 
Havana,  111. 

Hallowell,  Robert  C.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  18th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Principal  Musician  September  1st,  1863.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Hallowell,  John  E.  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  18th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864.  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Dis 
charged  Juitf  29th,  1865,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Belleville,  Kansas. 

Hashman,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Springfield  December  30th,  1862. 
Wounded  in  the  neck  May  20th,  1864,  in  the  battle  of  Wier  Bottom 
church,  Va.  Discharged  June  15th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds. 
Is  living  at  Ottawa,  Kansas. 

Hoover,  Theodore.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  February  18th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered 
out  June  15th,  1865. 

Hancock,  Erastus  B.  Enlisted  from  Randolph  March  1st,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  foot  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va. 
Mustered  out  June  15th,  1865,  for  wound. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  I— PRIVATES.  519 

Igsa,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  24th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  in  the  head,  and  October  7th,  1864,  in  the 
back,  severely.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Johnson,  John  S.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  1st,  1862,  for  disability. 

Johnson,  Thomas  J.  Enlisted  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Promoted  Corporal  September  29th,  1861;  Sergeant  January  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Farmer  City,  111. 

Johnson,  Joshua  H.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Promoted 
Corporal  April  2d,  1865.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living 
at  Atchison,  Kansas. 

Johnson,  Abiram  B.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  12th,  1861. 
Promoted  Commissary  Sergeant  January  24th,  1862,  and  transferred 
to  non-commissioned  staff.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111.  (See  Non-Com- 
missioned  Staff.) 

Johnson,  George  W.  B.  Enlisted  from  Empire  January  1st,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  knee  October  13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads.  Va.  Discharged  May  2d,  1865,  under  order  of  War  De 
partment.  Is  living  at  Gilson,  111. 

Jackson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February  12th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment.  Is  living  at  Ree 
Heights,  Dakota. 

Johnson,  Joel  B.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna,  March  10th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Discharged  June  2d, 
1864,  for  disability,  at  Point  of  Rocks  hospital,  Va. 

Johnson,  J.  H.  Enlisted  from  Franklin  county  April  llth,  1865.  Dis 
charged  May  3d,  1865,  by  order  War  Department. 

Jones,  Samuel.  Enlisted' April  4th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Kimbler,  William.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  September  13th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Kirby,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  May  20th,  1864,  at  VVier  Bottom  church,  Va. 
Discharged  April  13th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living  at 
Cadmus,  Kansas. 

Kimbler,  Benjamin  E.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  18th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  12th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Pleasant 
Mount,  Missouri. 

Keys,  Daniel  T.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Kenhower,  Thomas.  Enlisted  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Littleton,  William  S.  Enlisted  from  Mahomet  September  4th,  1861. 
Died  from  disease,  in  hospital  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  February  25th, 
1862. 

Lonebarger,  George.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury^'s  Bluff,  Va.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Parsons,  Kansas. 


520  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Lyon,  Martin  V.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Died 
from  disease,  in  hospital  at  Hancock,  Md.,  January  18th,  1862. 

Lysle,  John.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  20th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps.  Mustered  out  September  20th, 
1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Bloomington,  111. 

Lamb,  M.  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  13th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  head  May  20th,  1864.  Died  in  hospital,  from  wounds, 
October  29th,  1864. 

Lemon,  Richard  A.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  26th,  1864. 
Discharged  June  1st,  1864,  by  order  War  Department. 

Littleton,  Van  Buren.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  24th, 
1864.  Discharged  June  21st,  1865,  by  order  War  Department. 

MarcelliOUS,  Jacob  S.  Enlisted  from  Delta  September  14th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  leg  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross- 
Roads,  Va.  Promoted  Cqrporal  August  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

McGrade,  James.  Enlisted  from  McLean  county  October  8th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  October  8th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

McKinney,  Charles  A.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  13th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  side,  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Promoted 
Corporal  January  1st,  1863.  Wounded  again,  April  2d,  1865,  at 
assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  1st,  1865. 
Discharged  October  1st,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department.  Is 
living  at  Holoday,  Missouri. 

MarcelliOUS,  John  J.  Enlisted  from  Delta  February  15th,  1864. 
Discharged  May  2d,  1864,  for  disability. 

McCoy,  Orlando.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  23d,  1864.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Miller,  Albert..  Enlisted  February  16th,  1864.  Taken  prisoner  at 
battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Neal,  Silas.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Neal,  Henry  T.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  14th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  June  28th,  1862,  for  disability.  , 

Neal,  AmOS.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  February  28th,  1864.  Dis 
charged  June  22d,  1865,  by  order  War  Department.  Is  living  at 
Farmer  City,  111. 

Poff,  Henry  M.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  21st,  1861. 
Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Porter,  Joseph.  Enlisted  September  22d,  1861.  Deserted  October 
30th,  1861. 

Prey,  Nelson.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  April  30th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Parks,  Benjamin  F.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  hand  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  October  8th, 
1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Moiitida,  Kansas. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  I— PRIVATES.  521 

Patton,  Francis  M.  Enlisted  February  10th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
right  foot,  in  the  trenches  before  Petersburg,  Va.,  August  30th,  1864. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Saybrook,  111. 

Perry,  Arthur.  Enlisted  from  Waukegan  February  10th,  1864.  Dis 
charged  August  20th,  1864,  for  disability. 

Pratt,  T.  J.  Enlisted  February  23d,  1864.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Page,  John  G.  Enlisted  April  5th,  1865.  Mustered  out  December 
6th,  1865. 

Robertson,  George  P.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th, 
1861.  Discharged  November  3d,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at 
Monticello,  111. 

Ream,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  25th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Captured  at  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  May  16th,  1864;  pa 
roled  and  exchanged.  Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living 
at  Saybrook,  111. 

Ream,  Adam.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September v  25th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Wounded  June  18th,  1864.  near  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.;  was 
also  injured  on  the  propeller  "Mary  Boardman,"  coming  from  Hil 
ton  Head,  S.  C.,  to  New  York,  on  veteran  furlough.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Trenton,  Mo. 

Rapp,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Killed  August  29th,  1864,  before  Petersburg,  Va. 

Rowley,  James.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  14th,  1861.  Died 
in  hospital  at  Newbern,  N.  C.,  October  llth,  1864. 

Randolph,  Valentine  C.  Enlisted  from  Lincoln  September  16th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  17th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living,  but  address  not  known. 

Riddle,  George.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  17th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  June  27th,  1862.  Mustered  out  September  17th,  1864, 
at  expiration  of  service.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Comrade  Riddle  was  born  in  Warren  county,  New  Jersey,  in  1840. 
He  came  to  the  State  of  Ohio  when  two  years  old  with  his  parents,  who 
settled  in  Licking  county.  His  father  died  when  he  was  but  seven  years 
old,  leaving  his  mother  with  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  all  of  whom 
went  to  Illinois  in  1856,  and  settled  in  McLean  county,  which  has  been  the 
home  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  ever  since,  except  three  years  he  was  in 
the  United  States  service  as  member  of  Company  I,  Thirty-Ninth  Regi 
ment  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.  The  occupation  of  Comrade  Riddle  be 
fore  and  after  the  war  was  that  of  a  farmer.  In  politics  he  has  been  a 
staunch  Republican  and  an  active  worker.  Was  a  delegate  to  the  State 
Convention  in  1884,  and  also  in  1888.  He  has  been  a  devoted  member  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  since  the  organization  of  the  same  in  his 
locality.  He  had  a  brother  killed  at  Fort  Donelson,  Thomas  Riddle,  for 
whom  the  G.  A.  R.  Post  of  Le  Roy,  111.,  is  named.  His  mother  is  still  liv 
ing,  is  eighty  years  old,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Ladies'  Relief  Corps. 


522  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Richards,  Dudley.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  6th,  1861.  Pro 
moted  Corporal  March  1st,  1863.  Killed  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle 
of  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Runyan,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  6th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  4th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Rue,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Mount  Pleasant  March  8th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Died  in  hospital,  from  wounds,  October  18th,  1864. 

Raney,  George  S.  Enlisted  from  Jefferson  county  April  5th,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

SprOU I,  William.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Taken  prisoner  June,  1862;  paroled  and  exchanged.  Dis 
charged  March  22d,  1865,  by  order  War  Department.  Is  living  at 
El  Dorado,  Kansas. 

Shinkle,  Thomas  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  June  1st,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  side. 
August  28th,  1864.  Killed  at  Fo*t  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Spencer,  William  J.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  22d,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  18th,  1864.  Wounded  in 
the  head  June  17th,  1864.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  1st,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Arrowsmith,  111. 

SilkwOOd,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Franklin  county  April  llth,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

SilkwOOd,  Brazil.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  Mustered  out  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

Thomas,  James  M.  Enlisted  from  Franklin  county  September  4th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  4th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Farmer  City,  III. 

Tomlinson,  Andrew  J.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  4th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  March  1st,  1863.  Wounded  in  the  leg  August 
16th.  1864;  leg  amputated.  Died  in  hospital,  from  wounds,  Septem 
ber  14th,  1864. 

Tateburg,  Ernest  W.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  September  18th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  16th,  1865;  Sergeant  October 
28th,  1865. 

Veta,  Osta.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  November  10th,  1862.  Sent 
from  Folly  Island  to  Beaufort,  S.  C.,  and  failed  to  report  again.  Sup 
posed  to  have  drowned. 

Vanschoyck,  John.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  April  7th,  1862.  Taken 
prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Discharged  May  7th, 
1865.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 

Van  Winkle,  Willitt.  Enlisted  from  Enfield  February  16th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  thigh  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads, 
Va.  Discharged  May  27th,  1865. 

Weedman,  John  W.  Enlisted  from  Mount  Pleasant  September  4th, 
1861.  Promoted  Corporal  June  27th,  1862.  Taken  prisoner  May 
16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  Died  in  Andersonville  prison 
November  15th,  1864. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  I— PRIVATES.  523 

White,  William  D.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  head  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Discharged  June  16th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Died  in 
1885,  at  Little  Rock,  Arkansas. 

Wetzell,   Michael.     Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  4th,  1861. 

Veteran.     Promoted  Corporal  March  1st,  1863;  Sergeant  February 

7th,    1865.     Wounded   in  the   arm   April  2d,  1865;    arm    amputated. 

Discharged  June  17th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.     Is  living  at 

Sidney,  Neb. 
Wilson,    William     S.     Enlisted    September    4th,    1861.     Discharged 

September  12th,  1864,  for  disability.     Is  living  at  Downs,  111. 

Wilhoite,  Willis  F.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  2d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  WTounded  in  the  face,  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va. 
Discharged  May  4th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living  at 
Argenta,  111. 

Woodard,  Edward.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  October  2d,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  side,  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 
Promoted  Corporal,  1865. 

Weedman,  John  B.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  September  26th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  28th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 
Is  living  at  Denver,  Col. 

WilSOn,  John  S.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  October  20th,  1861.  Trans 
ferred  to  Company  H  August  1st,  1862.  Is  living  at  Farmer  City, 
Illinois. 

Wallace,  John.  Enlisted  from  McLean  county  October  22d,  1861. 
Deserted  November  25th,  1861. 

Woodward,  William  B.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  February 
12th,  1864.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.;  also, 
October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out 
December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  at  Farmer  City,  111. 

Wagoner,  William.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  January  1st,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  head,  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  taken 
prisoner.  Discharged  July  3d,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department. 
Is  living  at  La  Crosse,  Wis. 

Westfall,  Reuben.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  13th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  shoulder,  April  2d,  1865,  at  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Dis 
charged  June  10th,  1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living  at 
Le  Roy,  111. 

Weedman,  Norman  A.  Enlisted  from  Mount  Pleasant  February 
17th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Wren,  Asa.  Enlisted  from  Le  Roy  February  13th,  1864.  Discharged 
July  20th,  1865,  by  order  War  Department.  Is  living  at  Deland,  111. 

West,  George  W.  Enlisted  from  Hunter,  March  23d,  1865.  Dis 
charged  July  15th,  1865,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Marshall,  111. 

Wood,  Andrew.  Enlisted  from  Okaw  April  12th,  1865.  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865. 

Weedman,  Jacob  F.  Enlisted  from  Santa  Anna  February  llth, 
1864.  Discharged  June  2d,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department.  Is 
living  at  Denver,  Colorado. 


524  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 


SUMMARY  OF  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 9 

Died  of  wounds 7 

Died  of  disease 5 

Died  in  prison 3 

Drowned 2 

Wounded 48 

Taken  prisoner 16 

Lost  limbs 3 

Discharged  for  disability 44 

Transferred 7 

Deserted 3 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 23 

Number  originally  enlisted 85 

Recruits 54 

Number  re-enlisted 41 

Number  returned  home  at  muster-out 41 

Number  known  to  be  living 70 


CHAPTEK  XXXII. 


Company    K — How    and    Where    Recruited — Roster    and    Biographies — 
Summary  of  Casualties,  Etc. 


HISTORY  OF  COMPANY  K. 

PBEPABED  BY  SERGEANT  DAVID  H.  SLAGLE. 

TN  July,  1861,  Frank  B.  Marshall,  a  recruiting  officer  for 
the  "  Yates  Phalanx"  (Thirty-Ninth  Illinois),  went  to 
Marseilles,  La  Salle  county,  111.,  where,  he  had  been  in 
formed,  a  company  was  organizing  for  the  three  years'  ser 
vice.  He  had  a  conference  with  Joseph  Woodruff,  Andrew 
W.  Wheeler  and  others,  and  suggested  to  them  that  if  they 
could  raise  a  company  of  men  for  the  Thirty-Ninth  in  Mar 
seilles  and  vicinity  they  could  elect  their  own  officers.  Ac 
tive  recruiting  was  at  once  begun  under  very  promising 
circumstances.  On  August  6th  the  first  squad  of  recruits 
was  forwarded  to  Chicago  and  quartered  in  the  old  Repub- 
lican  Wigwam.  Others  were  continually  added,  and  when 
the  regiment  went  into  Camp  Mather  the  minimum  number 
for  a  company  organization  was  present  for  an  election  of 
officers,  and  the  following  were  elected: 

JOSEPH  WOODRUFF,  CAPTAIN. 

FRANK  B.  MARSHALL,  FIBST  LIEUTENANT. 

DONALD  A.  NICHOLSON,  SECOND  LIEUTENANT. 

Cyrus  F.  Knapp  made  some  efforts  for  a  commission,  pre 
ferring  the  Captaincy,  but  could  not  control  a  sufficient 
number  of  recruits,  and  failed;  but  subsequently  identified 
himself  with  Company  D.  Marshall  was  soon  appointed 
Regimental  Adjutant,  leaving  the  place  of  First  Lieutenant 

525 


526  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

vacant.  Oscar  S.  Belcher,  then  a  Sergeant  in  Company  B, 
claiming  that  he  could  procure  the  number  of  men  yet 
wanted  to  complete  the  company,  was  then  elected  to  fill  the 
vacancy;  but  his  recruits  did  not  materialize.  He  kept  the 
position,  however.  Soon  after  this  the  company  received 
nineteen  men  that  had  enlisted  in  (the  original)  Company 
H,  which  had  been  organized  at  Bloornington  by  Captain 
C.  S.  Dirckes,  who  for  some  reason  became  dissatisfied  and 
so  neglected  his  company  that  Colonel  Light  dissolved  it 
and  gave  the  members  of  it  their  choice  between  Companies 
F  and  K.  Those  AV!IO  came  to  K  were  Abner  P.  Allen, 
James  K.  Allen,  Charles  Austin,  August  Brower,  Andrew 
Berge,  Henry  Craig,  William  Craig,  Peter  Clear,  Thos.  W. 
Flory,  Stephen  K.  Haywood,  George  A.  Linton,  Alden 
Myers,  E.  C.  Myers,  Stephen  M.  Stokes,  Peter  Saures,  F. 
M.  Thomas,  George  N.  Thomas,  William  Terrell  and  James 
K.  White.  These  men  had  been  enlisted  by  E.  C.  Myers, 
and  he  should  have  been  elected  First  Lieutenant  instead  of 
Belcher.  E.  C.  Myers  and  Terrell  had  been  elected  Lieu 
tenants  in  Company  H,  but  had  not  been  commissioned; 
they  had,  however,  gone  to  the  expense  of  getting  their  uni 
forms, — but  like  good  patriots  and  soldiers  they  gracefully 
accepted  the  situation,  Myers  being  appointed  Second  Ser 
geant  and  Terrell  First  Corporal.  It  was  apparent,  how 
ever,  that  Terrell  was  never  fully  reconciled;  he  lost  his 
interest — became  soured,  and  after  being  promoted  to  Ser 
geant  was  reduced  to  the  ranks.  For  some  time  there  was  a 
little  division  in  the  company — the  Bloomington  men  were 
clannish ;  but  soon  the  line  of  formality  was  broken  and  the 
company  became  a  unit,  and  a  strong  one.  When  Company 
K  re-enlisted  at  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.,  in  1864,  several  of  the 
members  who  on  first  enlistment  were  credited  to  La  Salle 
county,  on  second  enlistment  were  credited  to  Cook  county, 
and  received  the  one  hundred  dollars  bounty  offered  by  that 
county  for  men  who  re-enlisted  in  the  field,  while  those  who 


1.  CAPT.   JOSEPH  WOODRUFF.  Co.  K. 

2.     CORPL.  JOHN   B.   KIPP,  Co.  K.      3.  SERGT.  JAS.  SANBORN,  Co.  K.       4.     WILLIAM  G.    KIRKMAN,  Co.  K. 

5.     CORPL.  J.  T.   NICHOLS,  Co.  K.     6.  CORPL.  PETER  SAUERS,  Co.  K.    7.     CICERO  BARBER,  Co.  K. 

8.     ALDEN   BARBER,  Co.    K.  9.  PARKER   MICK,  Co.   K.  10.      FRANCIS  M.  THOMAS,  Co.   K. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— OFFICERS.  527 

remained  faithful  to  La  Salle  county  received  nothing — 
which  was  a  source  of  much  dissatisfaction. 

Captain  Woodruff  was  the  leading  spirit  in  recruiting 
this  company  of  men,  from  the  very  start,  and  was  always 
the  choice  for  leader.  He  proved  worthy  of  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him.  up  to  the  date  of  his  death,  and  his  loss  was 
deeply  felt  and  sincerely  mourned. 

The  company  was  made  up  of  good  material,  and  dis 
tinguished  itself  on  many  occasions,  contributing  thereby  to 
the  good  name  the  regiment  had  won  in  all  the  military  de 
partments  in  which  it  was  called  upon  to  serve. 


EOSTER  or  COMPANY  K. 

Captain  Joseph  Woodruff.  Commissioned  August  24th,  1861. 
Mortally  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  shell  near  Fort  Gregg,  S.  C., 
September  23d,  1863,  and  died  the  same  day. 

Captain  Woodruff  was  born  in  Onondaga  county,  New  York,  Septem 
ber  7th,  1829;  moved  to  Ottawa,  £11.,  when  fourteen  years  of  age.  In  1846, 
when,  by  act  of  the  Republic  of  Mexico,  war  existed  between  that  Govern 
ment  and  the  United  States,  he  enlisted  at  Ottawa,  111.,  in  a  battalion  of 
recruits  to  reinforce  our  Illinois  volunteers  in  Mexico.  They  were  sent  to 
Fort  Leavenworth  by  boat,  and  then  marched  across  the  plains  to  Santa 
Fe,  New  Mexico.  Shortly  after  their  arrival  at  the  latter  place  the  Amer 
ican  army  had  achieved  their  brilliant  victory  at  Cerro  Gordo  which  ter 
minated  the  Mexican  war.  In  1852  he  became  a  resident  of  Marseilles,  111. 

During  the  campaign  of  1860  he  was  the  captain  of  a  strong  and 
enthusiastic  company  of  "  Wide  Awakes  "  that  turned  out  on  many  occas 
ions  during  that  memorable  year,  he  being  a  popular  commander  in  said 
organization.  The  following  year,  when  the  War  of  the  Rebellion  broke 
out,  he  had  no  difficulty  in  raising  a  company  for  the  war,  and  recruiting 
was  commenced  in  July,  1861.  He  was  then  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business  with  his  brother-in-law,  James  Fleming,  their  firm  being  Fleming 
&  Woodruff.  His  family  consisted  of  wife  and  three  children.  Since  the 
war,  Nellie  and  Willie  have  died;  Monroe  lives  with  his  mother,  who  still 
remains  the  Captain's  widow  and  resides  at  Marseilles.  The  following 
Regimental  order  embraces  his  military  history  to  the  evening  he  met  his 
death  at  Fort  Gregg,  Morris  Island,  S.  C. 


528  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

HEADQ CARTERS  THIRTY-NINTH  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 
MORRIS  ISLAND,  S.  C.,  September  25th,  1863. 

SPECIAL  ORDER  NO.  63. 

With  profound  sorrow,  the  Lieutenant-Colonel  commanding  announces  to  the  regi 
ment,  the  decease  of  Captain  Joseph  Woodruff,  of  Company  K,  Thirty-Ninth  Regiment 
Illinois  Volunteers,  who  died  in  regimental  hospital,  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  September  23d, 
1863,  a  few  hours  after  he  received  a  fatal  wound  from  the  enemy's  gun. 

Captain  Woodruff  was  among  the  many  brave  men  who,  after  the  first  repulse  of 
our  inexperienced  army  at  Bull  Run,  rushed  forth  with  martial  spirit  to  support  the  flag 
of  our  troubled  country,  and  to  vindicate  the  majesty  of  her  laws,  by  rebels  ignored. 
Leaving  a  lucrative  business,  a  large  circle  of  firm  friends,  and  a  young  and  confiding 
family,  he  collected  around  his  country's  standard  a  company  of  patriots,  and  led  them 
from  his  native  village,  Marseilles,  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  to  Camp  Mather  in  Chicago, 
where  he  linked  his  destinies  with  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Regiment.  The  long  and 
winding  war-path  over  which  he  has  gallantly  led  his  company,  the  severe  hardships  and 
stern  privations  he  has  patiently  endured,  and  the  unaffected  bravery  and  deep-seated 
patriotism  he  has  ever  evinced,  form  a  part  of  the  regimental  history,  and  hence  need  not 
be  here  enumerated. 

He  entered  upon  the  operations  before  Charleston  with  quiet  yet  commendable 
enthusiasm,  and  from  the  day  his  regiment  broke  ground  for  the  first  fort  on  Folly  Island, 
to  the  evening  the  missile  of  death  met  him  in  Fort  Gregg,  he  exhibited  a  determination 
of  purpose  remarked  by  many  and  surpassed  by  none. 

The  ranking  officer  in  the  line,  he  was  frequently  called  to  command  the  regiment, 
and  his  official  ability  was  such,  that  his  fellow  officers  looked  anxiously  forward  to  the 
time  when  promotion  should  be  granted  him  as  a  meritorious  reward;  but  in  this  they  are 
only  too  sadly  disappointed.  On  the  evening  of  the  23d  inst.,  just  as  he  was  transmitting 
his  instructions  to  the  officer  who  relieved  him  of  his  command  in  Fort  Gregg,  a  shell 
from  Fort  Moultrie  burst  among  his  men,  killing  several,  and  so  wounding  him  in  the 
side  that  he  soon  died.  He  was  conscious  to  the  last,  and  apparently  resigned  to  his  sad 
fate. 

As  an  officer,  Captain  Woodruff  had  an  enviable  reputation.  Ever  ready  for  duty, 
he  was  never  heard  to  murmur,  or  question  the  propriety  of  an  order,  however  laborious 
or  dangerous  the  duty  it  demanded.  Socially,  he  was  a  man  admired  by  all  who  knew  him, 
and  in  his  friendships  he  was  honest  and  sincere.  He  has  fallen  in  the  mid-day  of  his 
manhood,  and  in  the  very  fort  from  which  was  fired  the  first  rebel  gun  at  Fort  Sumter, 
the  vibrations  of  which  so  thrilled  with  energy  the  great  Northern  heart.  He  has  fallen, 
but  he  fell  in  the  defense  of  a  principle  deeply  enshrined  in  every  loyal  breast,  and  for 
the  unity  and  perpetuity  of  a  country  that  shall  gladly  honor  her  heroic  dead. 

Let  the  virtues  of  the  deceased  be  emulated  by  his  bereaved  comrades  who  survive 
him,  and  by  whom  his  memory  will  doubtless  be  perpetuated  with  a  pleasing  sadness.     As 
a  token  of  respect  to  the  fallen  brave,  it  is  hereby  ordered  that  the  usual  badge  of  mourn 
ing  be  worn  by  the  officers  of  this  regiment  for  a  period  of  thirty  days. 
By  order  of 

O.  L.  MANN,  Lieut.-Col.  Commanding  Regiment. 
SIMON  S.  BRUCKER, 
Lieutenant  and  Acting  Adjutant. 

Sergeant  James  Sanborn  accompanied  the  remains  of  Captain  Wood 
ruff  to  the  village  of  Marseilles,  where  they  were  consigned  to  rest  in 
Bluffside  Cemetery,  and  there  the  members  of  his  company  erected  a 
monument  to  his  memory.  Joseph  Woodruff  Post,  No.  281,  G.  A.  R.,  at 
Marseilles,  was  named  in  his  honor. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— OFFICERS.  529 

Captain  Andrew  W.  Wheeler.  Promoted  vice  Captain  Woodruff, 
died.  Wounded  in  the  face  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross- 
Roads,  Va.  Mustered  out  October  24th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Andrew  W.  Wheeler  was  born  September  6th,  1830,  in  the  State  of 
New  York.  He  entered  the  service  from  Marseilles,  111.,  and  at  that  time 
was  occupied  as  a  school-teacher,  although  a  lawyer  by  profession. 

While  in  the  Department  of  the  South  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.,  he  was 
detached  from  his  company  and  given  the  command  of  the  Requa  Battery. 
After  the  death  of  Captain  Woodruff,  Lieutenant  WTheeler  was  recalled,  and 
assumed  command  of  Company  K.  , 

After  his  "muster  out"  he  returned  to  Marseilles,  and  in  February, 
1865,  again  entered  the  service,  as  Captain  of  Company  E,  One  Hundred 
and  Fifty-Third  Illinois  Volunteers  (a  one-year  organization),  and  served 
during  a  short  campaign  in  Tennessee  and  Alabama.  September  15th, 
1865,  he  was  commissioned  Major,  but  was  not  mustered,  as  the  regiment 
was  soon  disbanded 

After  the  war  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  Marseilles,  but 
in  1872  removed  to  the  native  prairie  land  near  where  now  stands  the  city 
of  Hastings,  Nebraska,  homesteaded  a  few  acres  and  became  one  of  the 
pioneer  settlers.  Here  death  removed  several  of  his  children.  After 
residing  at  Hastings  a  few  years  he  removed  to  his  present  residence, — 
Wadena,  Wadena  county,  Minn. 

Captain  Ebanis  C.  Myers.  Promoted  vice  Wheeler,  mustered 
out.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Captain  Myers  was  born  in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  February  27th, 
1838.  At  the  beginning  of  the  war  he  entered  the  three  months'  service, 
after  which  he  enlisted  men  for  Company  H,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois  Volun 
teers,  expecting  a  commission,  but  the  first  organization  of  H  Company 
was  a  failure,  and  he  with  his  men  went  into  Company  K,  where  he  was 
appointed  Second  Sergeant.  In  July,  1865,  he  was  on  detached  service  at 
City  Point,  Va.,  as  Ordnance  officer,  and  also  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  August; 
but  in  September  of  1865  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  hard-labor 
prison  in  Norfolk,  and  retained  it  until  his  muster  out  of  service.  He  was 
one  of  the  "  stayers  "  with  his  company  in  all  of  its  marches  and  battles 
with  the  exception  of  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865.  Cap 
tain  Myers  earned  his  promotions  and  proved  a  most  excellent  officer. 
Always  social  and  agreeable,  he  was  a  favorite  with  his  men. 

After  the  war  he  settled  down  as  a  farmer,  married,  and  has  a  large 
family.  He  is  getting  a  little  gray  and  considerably  bald-headed,  and  he 
will  tell  you  the  reason  for  that,  if  you  ask  him.  Exposure  in  the  service 
has  enfeebled  his  health  to  some  extent,  yet  he  manages  to  get  some  com 
fort  out  of  life, — thinks  it  "  worth  living  "—at  Randolph,  McLean  county, 
Illinois. 

34 


530  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

First  Lieutenant  Oscar  S.   Belcher.     Commissioned  August 

20th,  1861.     Resigned  May  llth,  1862. 

Belcher  first  enlisted  in  Company  B  at  Bloomington,  111.,  in  August, 
1861,  but  was  commissioned  in  Company  K  vice  F.  B.  Marshall  appointed 
Adjutant,  on  the  strength  of  his  promise  of  bringing  a  large  number  of 
recruits  to  the  company.  He  did  bring  a  few  men  but  they  were  not 
of  his  recruiting.  He  was  in  the  three  months'  service  as  Corporal  in 
Company  K,  Eighth  Illinois  Infantry.  t 

Belcher's  nativity  is  not  known,  but  he  was  a  regular  Yankee  in  his 
manners  and  was  quite  popular  for  a  time  as  an  officer;  but  it  did  not  last. 
He  had  a  very  lively  imagination  when  on  the  "  war-path,"  and  could  see 
more  cannon,  and  more  of  the  enemy  that  would  "Cut  us  all  to  h —  in  a 
holy  minute,"  than  anybody  else.  After  leaving  the  Thirty-Ninth  he  returned 
to  Bloomington,  and  became  one  of  the  Ashley  House  employes. 

In  May,  1863,  he  again  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  M,  Sixteenth 
Illinois  Cavalry;  was  promoted  to  Sergeant;  taken  prisoner,  and  went 
through  a  terrible  experience  at  Andersonville  prison.  He  was  mustered 
out  of  service  August  19th,  1865,  and  returned  to  Bloomington,  where  he 
died  of  consumption  several  years  ago. 

Belcher  was  a  soldier  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  war.  We 
overlook  his  faults. 

First   Lieutenant   Donald   A.   Nicholson.    Promoted  March 

15th,  1862.     Resigned  June  14th,  1862. 

Lieutenant  Nicholson  entered  the  service  from  Marseilles,  111.  Was 
born  in  Canada.  He  proved  a  good  officer  and  soldier  up  to  the  time  he 
was  forced  by  the  enemy  to  ford  the  Potomac  river  January  4th,  1862. 
After  this  he  became  disabled  from  rheumatism  and  left  the  service.  In 
December,  1864,  he  again  entered  the  service,  being  commissioned  First 
Lieutenant  of  Company  E,  One  Hundred  and  Fifty-Third  Illinois  Infantry; 
was  mustered  out  of  said  organization  as  Captain,  October  25th,  1865.  He 
is  now  living  at  Marseilles,  and  is  occupied  as  a  stone-mason. 

First    Lieutenant    Andrew    W.    Wheeler.    Promoted    vice 

Nicholson,  resigned. 

First  Lieutenant  Marion   L.  Butterfield.    Promoted  August 

1st,  1864.     Wounded  in  the  arm,  August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Mustered  out  December  7th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

No  exceptions  can  be  taken  to  the  soldierly  qualities  of  "Dick"  But 
terfield,  as  he  was  familiarly  called.  He  was  born  at  Antwerp,  Jefferson 
county,  N.  Y.,  August  15th,  1831,  and  emigrated  to  Illinois  in  the  year  1853. 
In  1855  he  was  married  to  Eliza  Ferris  of  Owego,  N.  Y.  Was  a  farmer  by 
occupation. 

We  remember  "  Dick  "  as  an  agreeable  companion  and  as  a  vocalist 
of  no  mean  order,  and  especially  on  some  occasions  when  the  spirits  moved 
him.  Then  to  hear  him  warble  "  ?Twas  off  the  blue  Canaries,"  or  "  The 
maids  of  Australia,"  was  delightful.  He  could  also  manipulate  the  "  Old 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  K— OFFICERS.  531 

Friar,"  which  was  something  of  a  "teeth-grinder,"  and  was  given  to  keep 
the  boys  awake.  He  was  promoted  to  Captain  .but  was  not  mustered. 
When  we  last  saw  him  he  was  still  merrily  and  courageously  fighting  for 
subsistence,  although  somewhat  shattered  and  worn  from  exposures  in  the 
field  and  the  line  of  battle.  He  is  living  at  Marseilles,  111. 

First    Lieutenant    E.  C.  Myers.     Promoted   Captain  December 
7th,  1864.     Mustered  January  10th,  1865. 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel   Smouse.    Promoted  December  7th, 

1864.     Mustered  January  9th,  1865. 

Smouse  served  the  entire  term  with  his  company,  and  participated 
in  all  its  movements  and  battles.  At  the  surrender  of  the  Army  of  North 
ern  Virginia  April  9th,  1865,  he  was  in  command  of  Company  K.  He  was 
mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865,  returning  to  Mar 
seilles,  where  he  made  a  residence  for  a  short  time.  Afterwards  he  re 
moved  to  Bloomington,  111.,  where  he  buried  his  only  son.  The  loss  was 
severely  felt— his  health  began  to  fail,  and  the  deafness  incurred  in  the 
service  increased  until  he  became  unfitted  for  business.  He  went  to  the 
Soldiers'  Home  at  Quincy,  111.,  where  the  once  erect  and  fine-appearing 
soldier  is  now  a  physical  wreck. 

Second  Lieutenant  Donald  A.  Nicholson.    Promoted  First 

Lieutenant  March  15th,  1862. 

Second  Lieutenant  Andrew  W.  Wheeler.    Promoted  First 

Lieutenant  June  14th,  1862,  vice  Nicholson,  resigned. 

Second  Lieutenant  Marion  L.  Butterf  ield.    Promoted  First 

Lieutenant  vice  Wheeler,  promoted. 

Second  Lieutenant  Daniel  Smouse.    Promoted  First  Lieu 
tenant  December  7th,  1865. 

Second   Lieutenant  Emile  Guntz.    Could  not  muster  on  his 

commission,  as  there  were  not  men  enough  in  the  company.  Mus 
tered  out  as  Sergeant  December  6th,  1865.  Wounded  May  16th,  1864, 
at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  taken  prisoner;  sent  to  Andersonville,  Ga., 
where  he  had  a  sad  experience.  Was  paroled  in  November,  1864,  and 
returned  to  his  company,  being  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Prior  to  his  enlistment  in  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  Guntz  entered 
Company  B,  Chicago  Zouaves,  for  the  three  months'  service.  He  proved 
an  excellent  and  faithful  soldier.  After  the  close  of  his  service  he  returned 
to  Chicago  and  made  the  city  his  home.  His  prison  life  at  Andersonville 
has  somewhat  enfeebled  a  naturally  strong  constitution,  and  the  horrors 
there  experienced  are  indelibly  engraved  on  the  tablets  of  his  memory. 

Guntz  was  born  in  the  city  of  Alkirch,  Elsass,  Germany,  March  27th, 
1844,  and  emigrated  to  this  country  in  1849  with  his  parents.  At  the  time 
of  his  enlistment  his  occupation  was  that  of  a  photographer.  After  the 
war  he  returned  to  Chicago,  where  he  occupies  a  position  with  the  L. 


532  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Wulff  Manufacturing  company,  at  93  Lake  street,  and  resides  at  232  Wal 
nut  street.* 

First  Sergeant  Andrew  W.  Wheeler.    Enlisted  August  uth, 

1861,  from  Marseilles,  111.     Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  March  loth, 
1862. 

Sergeant  EbaniS  C.  Myers.  Enlisted  from  McLean  county, 
111.,  August  14th,  1861.  Promoted  First  Sergeant  June  14th,  1862; 
First  Lieutenant  October  24th,  1864. 

Sergeant  David  H.  Slagle.  Enlisted  August  27th,  1861.  Wound 
ed  and  taken  prisoner  October  13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  Va. 

Slagle  was  born  in  Delta,  Fulton  county,  Ohio.  He  enlisted  April 
19th,  1861,  in  Captain  Houghtaling's  Battery  Light  Artillery  (three  months 
service,  attached  to  the  Nineteenth  Illinois  Volunteers),  and  was  discharged 
at  Cairo,  111.,  July  22d,  1862.  In  August,  1862,  he  was  detailed  on  recruit 
ing  service  and  sent  home  on  that  duty  for  six  months.  He  re-enlisted  as 
veteran  January  1st,  1864,  at  Hilton  Head,  S.  C.  Was  discharged  as 
Orderly  Sergeant  May  22d,  1865,  at  Philadelphia,  by  reason  of  disability 
from  wounds.  February  9th,  1876,  he  was  commissioned  as  Second  Lieu 
tenant  in  the  Third  Regiment  Illinois  National  Guard,  and  resigned  in 
October,  same  year.  In  1866  he  was  appointed  postmaster  at  Marseilles 
and  held  that  office  for  twenty  consecutive  years,  until  removed  by  Presi 
dent  Cleveland,  in  1884.  He  resides  at  Marseilles,  111.  He  has  lately 
received  appointment  in  the  U.  S.  Railway  Postal  service.  His  home  is 
at  Marseilles,  111. 

Sergeant  Henry  Fuller.  Enlisted  August  19th,  1861.  Taken  pris 
oner  at  Bath,  Va.,  January  4th,  1862;  paroled  and  discharged  January 
23d,  1862. 

Fuller  entered  the  service  again,  in  Company  D,  Eighty-Eighth  Illi 
nois  Infantry,  and  was  promoted  Sergeant,  and  mustered  out  with  that 
regiment  June  9th,  1865.  He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut.  His  postoffice 
address  is  Sheridan,  La  Salle  county,  111. 

Sergeant    Marion    L.    Butterfield.    Enlisted   from   Marseilles 

August  17th,  1861.     Promoted  Second  Lieutenant  June  14th,  1862. 

*Since  writing  the  above,  it  becomes  our  sad  duty  to  record  the  death  of  Lieu 
tenant  Guntz,  which  occurred  at  his  new  home,  202  Walnut  street,  Tuesday,  May  7th, 
1889,  from  disease  of  the  kidneys  (Bright's  disease),  which  took  its  origin  while  he  was 
a  prisoner  of  war  at  Andersonville,  Ga.  His  funeral  was  largely  attended,  many  of 
his  old  comrades  being  present,  as  well  as  the  members  of  his  G.  A.  R.  Post  (Weitzel). 
In  the  absence  of  the  family  pastor,  the  Rev.  William  Faucett,  of  the  Park  Avenue 
M.  E.  church,  made  some  very  appropriate  remarks  from  the  text,  "A  good  soldier  is 
fallen  to-day."  He  was  buried  at  Waldheim  cemetery. 

"Lo!  as  the  winds  are,  so  is  mortal  life: 
A  moan,  a  sigh,  a  sob,  a  storm,  a  strife." 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  K— OFFICERS.  533 

Corporal  William  Terrell.  Enlisted  from  McLean  county,  111., 
August  18th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  June  14th,  1862.  Reduced 
to  the  ranks  August  22d,  1863. 

Terrell  was  a  native  of  Valley  Grove,  Ohio  county.  West  Virginia.  He 
first  enlisted  in  Company  H,  but  was  transferred  to  Company  K.  He  left 
the  service  July  25th,  1864,  being  discharged  for  disability.  We  are 
informed  that  he  died  several  years  ago. 

Corporal  James  Sanborn.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  19th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  1st,  1862. 

In  September,  1863,  Sanborn  received  a  furlough  to  go  home.  While 
waiting  for  the  steamer  at  Hilton  Head  Captain  Woodruff  was  killed.  Ser 
geant  Sanborn  was  notified,  and  he  took  charge  of  the  Captain's  remains 
and  accompanied  them  to  Marseilles,  111.  At  the  terrible  charge  made  by 
the  regiment  at  Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
James  river,  Sanborn  was  killed,  and  his  comrades  were  unable  to  recover 
his  body.  The  brave  soldier  rests  on  that  field  among  the  "  unknown." 

Corporal  George  Pollock.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September 
3d,  1861.  Discharged  July  18th,  1863,  for  disability. 

Pollock  returned  to  Marseilles,  and  died  a  few  years  later.  He  was 
buried  in  the  old  Christian  Church  Cemetery  in  the  town  of  Manlius.  His 
widow  resides  in  Marseilles,  and  his  only  daughter  is  the  wife  of  L.  T. 
Gardner  of  that  village. 

Corporal  Daniel  SmOUSe.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111.,  Au 
gust  19th,  1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  1st,  1862. 

Corporal  Emile  Guntz.  Veteran.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  August 
6th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  October  1st,  1863;  First  Sergeant 
September  1st,  1865;  and  Second  Lieutenant  October  4th,  1865. 

Corporal  William  MoxtOn.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  August  6th, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Sergeant  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Moxton  is  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  reduced  to  the  ranks  to 
gratify  some  petty  spite  of  Captain  Wheeler,  it  is  said;  but  in  August, 
1864,  the  Captain  recommended  him  to  the  Colonel  for  appointment  as 
Sergeant  for  meritorious  conduct  at  the  charge  on  the  enemy's  works  at 
Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864.  At  Norfolk,  Va.,  he  was  detailed  as 
Ordnance  Sergeant  and  retained  the  position  until  muster-out.  After  the 
war  he  became  a  citizen  of  Seneca,  111.,  where  he  married,  and  now  has  two 
grown-up  daughters.  His  present  address  is  Marseilles,  111. 

Corporal  Emory  Stebbins.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August 
19th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  September  1st,  1862.  Taken  pris 
oner  at  Bath,  Va.,  January  4th,  1862.  Discharged  June  3d,  1862,  for 
disability. 

Stebbins  is  a  well-to-do  farmer,  and  is  living  in  Guthrie  county,  Iowa. 


534  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Corporal  O.  B.  Begnall.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  3d, 
1861.  Discharged  August  llth,  1862,  for  disability. 

Begnall  was  an  old  man  when  he  enlisted.  He  died  at  Marseilles, 
April  1st,  1866,  in  his  fifty-seventh  year. 

Corporal  John  Kipp.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1863.  Wounded  October 
13th,  1864,  at  the  battle  of  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.,  and  died 
from  his  wounds 

Corporal  Kipp  was  born  at  Chatham  Four-Corners,  Columbia  county, 
New  York,  in  1841,  and  went  to  Illinois  in  1858,  locating  in  the  township 
of  Mission,  La  Salle  county,  where  he  worked  on  a  farm  until  he  enlisted. 
Kipp  was  a  very  enthusiastic  soldier,  and  was  never  absent  from  the  com 
pany,  and  while  in  the  service  learned  to  read  and  write.  He  was  proud  of 
his  strength,  and  imagined  when  he  first  entered  the  company  that  he 
(physically)  was  the  best  man  in  the  regiment,  and  that  no  one  could 
"  down  "  him;  but  this  conceit  was  taken  out  of  him  by  little  "  Ted  "  Hart- 
rey,  of  Company  B,  who  handled  him  very  easily,  and  to  Kipp's  entire 
satisfaction. 

Kipp  was  a  good  soldier,  and  never  flinched  from  duty.  While  on 
Morris  Island,  S.  C.,in  1863,  he  was  on  the  detail  to  erect  the  Swamp  battery, 
and  from  a  remark  he  made  at  the  time  concerning  it  he  unconsciously 
christened  what  was  afterwards  known  as  the  "  Swamp  Angel."  After  his 
promotion  to  Corporal  he  was  assigned  to  the  "  Color-guard,"  and  at  the 
charge  on  the  rebel  works,  October  13th,  1864,  when  the  regiment  was 
repulsed  and  obliged  to  fall  back,  he  brought  with  him  the  regimental  flag 
from  the  hands  of  Sergeant  Yates,  who  had  fallen  mortally  wounded.  One 
of  Kipp's  arms  was  shattered,  but  with  the  other  he  carried  his  gun  and  the 
flag.  As  he  was  making  his  way  back  a  lieutenant  of  another  regiment 
was  eager  to  assist  him  by  taking  charge  of  the  flag,  with  a  view  of  claim 
ing  the  honor  of  having  saved  it;  but  Kipp  held  on  to  it,  emphatically 
refusing  his  help.  He  told  the  officer  if  he  was  so  anxious  to  assist  that  he 
might  carry  his  gun;  but  the  flag,  never. 

Kipp  died  of  his  wounds  November  5th,  1864,  at  Chesapeake  hospital, 
and  is  buried  in  the  U.  S.  National  Cemetery  at  Hampton,  Va.,  near  Fort 
Monroe. 

Musician  James  B.Shaw.  Fifer.  Enlisted  at  Marseilles,  August 
14th,  1861.  Discharged  June  —  1862,  for  disability. 

Shaw  is  a  native  of  Scotland,  a  tailor  by  trade.  After  leaving  the 
service  he  returned  to  Marseilles  and  made  his  home  for  a  few  years,  but 
becoming  somewhat  dissatisfied  he  removed  with  his  family  to — no  one 
knows  where. 

Musician  Timothy  Cannon.  Entered  the  service  from  Troy,  Wis., 
September  27th,  1861.  Veteran. 

Cannon  was  the  favorite  drummer-boy  of  the  regiment,  and  was  de- 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  535 

tailed  to  the  band.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  led  a  roving  life,  and  it  has 
been  reported  that  he  lost  his  life  through  some  of  his  follies  at  some 
place  in  Iowa. 


PRIVATES. 

Adams,  Thomas  J.  Entered  the  service  from  Marengo,  McHenry 
county,  111.,  August  27th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal  December  1st, 
1863. 

Adams  was  a  native  of  Maine,  and  made  an  honorable  record  as  a 
soldier,  leaving  the  service  September  10th,  1864,  at  the  expiration  of  his 
enlistment.  He  returned  to  Marengo,  and  afterwards  engaged  in  the  hard 
ware  trade  at  New  Boston,  Mercer  county,  111.,  for  a  time.  He  then  removed 
to  Florida,  locating  at  Ocala,  a  member  of  the  firm  of  "  The  Bacon  and 
Adams  Abstract  Company." 

"  A  land  of  sand— a  humbug  grand! 
You  want  some  of  this  '  sand? ' 

There's  millions  in  it." 

Allen,  Abner  P.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111.,  September  2d, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  December  1st,  1863.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Corporal  Allen  was  a  member  of  the  "  Color-guard  "  and  carried  the 
State  flag  at  the  surrender  of  General  Lee,  April  9th,  1865.  He  accompa 
nied  General  John  Gibbon  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  with  seventy-six  stands 
of  rebel  colors,  where  he  was  presented  by  Secretary  of  War  Stanton  with 
a  medal  bestowed  by  Act  of  Congress  for  meritorious  conduct  in  front  of 
Petersburg.  Va.  He  is  living  at  Centerburg,  Ohio. 

Austin,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  16th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  1862,  for  disability. 

Comrades  may  recollect  Austin  from  the  fact  that  he  had  more  than 
his  share  of  thumbs  (two)  on  each  hand.  He  is  living  at  Pueblo,  Colorado. 

Allen,  James  K.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111.,  September  2d, 
1861.  Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  December  1st,  1864;  Sergeant 
January  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 
Is  living  at  Ogallala,  Keith  county,  Neb. 

Aikins,  Albert.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  (Substitute.)  Mustered 
out  December  6th,  1865.  Is  living  in  Topeka,  Kansas. 

Barber,  Cicero.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  August  16th,  1861. 
Killed  May  20th,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va. 

Barber  was  born  in  Saratoga  county,  New  York,  August  26th,  1843; 
came  west  with  his  parents  in  1851,  and  settled  on  a  farm  in  the  township 
of  Manlius,  La  Salle  county,  111.  He  had  two  brothers  who  also  entered  the 
service.  John  L.  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Fifteenth  Cavalry;  Alden  in 
Company  K,  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois,  with  Cicero,  and  he  also  lost  his  life. 


536  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Burns,  James  D.  Enlisted  at  Marseilles,  111.,  August  14th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  December  1st.  1863.  Mustered  out  with  regiment 
December  6th,  1865. 

Burns  was  a  "dandy"  soldier — always  looked  trim  and  neat,  accou 
trements  and  all;  had  the  style  of  a  "regular";  was  quite  a  favorite  in  the 
company  and  was  generally  called  "Grubby."  He  married,  and  has  a 
family.  Is  living  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  is  a  member  of 
Philip  R.  Schuyler  Post,  No.  51,  G.  A.  R.  He  sends  greeting  to  his  old 
comrades  and  hopes  to  meet  them  at  a  regimental  re-union  in  the  near 
future. 

Bedford,  Wallace.  (  Known  as  "  Gunboat.")  Enlisted  from  Mar 
seilles,  August  14th,  1861.  Veteran.  Wounded  October  13th,  1864, 
at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.;  also,  August  26th,  1863,  at  Morris 
Island,  S.  C.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Bedford  was  a  good  soldier,  but  we  can  not  forbear  stating  that  he 
was  noted  for  planning  and  executing  on  his  own  hook  a  good  many  tricks 
and  practical  jokes,  some  of  which  were  not  well  appreciated  by  the  vic 
tims.  While  at  Suffolk,  Va.,  he  mined  under  the  shanty  of  some  contra 
bands,  and  one  night,  when  a  dozen  or  so  of  them  had  congregated,  he 
placed  the  powder,  lighted  the  fuse,  and  cut  for  camp,  reaching  there  just 
as  the  grand  explosion  took  place  which  razed  the  shanty  to  the  ground 
and  whirled  the  darkeys  in  all  directions — scorching,  skinning,  scaring  and 
badly  demoralizing  the  whole  lot.  No  lives  were  lost,  however.  This  took 
place  one  night  after  "  taps  "  had  sounded,  and  occasioned  quite  a  stir  in 
camp.  Such  tricks  seemed  to  do  him  good.  He  is  living  somewhere  in 
Green  county,  Iowa. 

Burget,  Lawrence.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  August  17th,  1863,  for  disability.  His  last  address  was 
Beatrice,  Neb. 

BrOUghtOn,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Morris,  Grundy  county,  111., 
August  14th,  1861.  Discharged  in  1862  for  disability. 

Broughton  was  six  feet  four  inches  high,  but  could  not  stand  the 
"  racket."  He  returned  home  to  Seneca,  111.,  where  he  committed  suicide 
some  years  ago.  He  is  erroneously  registered  on  the  roster  of  the  Veteran 
Association  as  living  at  Marseilles. 

Beamish,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Elwood,  Will  county,  111.,  Sep 
tember  10th,  1861.  Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865. 

The  boys  called  Beamish  the  "  Wharf  Rat  "  of  Company  K.  He  did 
not  possess  much  style  or  pride.  Some  of  the  non-commissioned  officers 
had  to  look  after  him  and  compel  him  to  arrange  his  toilet  and  care  for 
his  equipments.  After  a  day's  march  he  would  often  lie  down  with  his 
knapsack  and  accoutrements  on,  being  too  lazy  to  take  them  off.  His 
reported  address  is  Chicago,  111. 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  537 

Brown,  George  P.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  17th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  knee  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown 
Cross-Roads,  Va.  Was  absent,  sick  and  wounded,  when  the  regiment 
was  mustered  out. 

B rower,  August.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  5th,  1861 — 
a  native  of  Germany.  Discharged  June  18th,  1862,  for  disability. 
Is  living,  and  his  reported  address  is  Havana,  111. 

Butterfield,  Augustus.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  December 
16th,  1863.  Taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va., 
and  sent  to  Andersonville,  Ga.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  Decem 
ber  6th,  1865.  Lives  at  Ogallala,  Keith  county,  Neb. 

Barber,  Alden.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  February  6th,  1864. 
Wounded  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.,  and  taken  prisoner. 
Died  in  Libby  prison,  Richmond,  Va.,  in  June,  1864. 

Bedford,  Peter  Parley.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  February 
24th,  1864.  Died  of  disease  April  9th,  1864. 

Birge,  Andreas.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  111.,  August  18th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Birge  was  a  peculiar  old  German,  and  a  faithful  soldier.  During  the 
last  year  of  his  service  he  became  noted  for  the  weak  faculty  of  accumulat 
ing  anything  and  everything  that  he  could  pick  up.  No  matter  for  how 
short  a  time  we  were  to  remain  in  camp,  old  Birge  was  busy  in  collecting 
all  manner  of  articles  that  he  could  find — old  rakes,  brooms,  wheel-barrows, 
plow-curls,  barrels,  boxes,  wagon-wheels,  etc.,  and  piling  them  up  in  and 
around  his  quarters,  which  looked  more  like  a  warehouse  than  a  soldier's 
domicile.  When  camp  was  broken  up,  it  seemed  to  break  his  heart  to  be 
compelled  to  leave  the  traps. 

BeSS,  James  F.  Enlisted  February  14th,  1865.  Died  in  hospital  at 
Norfolk,  Va.,  September  18th,  1865. 

Butterfield,  Francis  L.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  February  4th, 
1864;  mustered  February  29th,  1864;  entered  for  service  in  regi 
mental  band;  was  detailed  as  nurse  to  take  care  of  General  Osborn, 
Colonel  Munn  and  Major  Linton  when  they  were  wounded  in  1864. 
Discharged  as  musician  at  Camp  Lee  hospital,  Richmond,  Va.,  May 
30th,  1865,  by  reason  of  special  order  from  W"ar  Department  dated 
May  6th,  1865.  Resides  with  his  family  at  Marseilles,  111.,  engaged  as 
a  clerk  and  salesman. 

Collins,  George.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  August  19th,  1861. 
Died  in  hospital  at  Hancock,  Md.,  July  14th,  1862. 

Churchill,  John.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  111.,  September  16th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  May  2d,  1865.  Reduced  to  the  ranks 
September  27th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Churchill  returned  to  Marseilles  after  the  war,  but  afterwards  re 
moved  with  his  family  to  Veango,  Perkins  county,  Neb. 

Craig,  Henry.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  5th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865,  as  a 
musician.  Is  living  at  Le  Roy,  111. 


538  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Craig,  William.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  14th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  6th.  1862.  Discharged  Decem 
ber  4th,  1863,  for  disability.  Is  living  at  Benton,  Neb. 

Clear,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  3d,  1861.  Died 
at  Bloomington,  111.,  July  llth,  1862. 

Cole,  James.  Enlisted  from  Belleville,  111.,  October  llth,  1861;  for 
merly  from  Cohoes,  N.  Y.  Veteran.  Died  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  November 
24th,  1865. 

Cordell,  Alex.  C.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  10th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1863.  Wounded  August 
26th,  1863,  on  Morris  Island,  S.  C.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Cordell  acted  as  the  company  clerk.  Since  the  war  he  has  been  his 
own  worst  enemy.  He  is  living,  but  his  postoffice  address  is  not  known. 
Is  frequently  seen  at  Bloomington. 

Caddigan,  John.  Enlisted  February  16th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
head  May  20th,  1864.  Died  from  wounds  November  14th,  1864. 

Clement,  Frank.  Enlisted  October  10th,  1861.  Mustered  out  Octo 
ber  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Coleman,  James.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Drake,  George.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  August  llth,  1861.  Died 
at  Cumberland,  Md.,  from  lung  trouble,  July  20th,  1862.  His  only 
daughter,  Anna  M.  Eastman,  resides  at  Wakefield,  Mass. 

Eteherson,  William.     Enlisted  April  12th,  1865. 

FlOry,  Thomas  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  19th, 
1861.  Missing  in  action  at  Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864.  Was 
found  to  have  been  taken  prisoner.  Mustered  out  June  2d,  1865. 
Resides  at  Fort  Worth,  Texas. 

Frink,  MarcelluS.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  19th,  1861. 
Taken  prisoner  January  4th,  1862,  at  Sir  John's  Run,  Va.;  paroled 
and  discharged  June  23d,  1862.  Returned  to  Marseilles,  where  he 
died  a  few  years  later. 

Franks,  E.  S.  Enlisted  from  Seneca,  111..  August  14th,  1862.  Dis 
charged  November  10th,  1862,  for  disability.  Is  living  in  Michigan. 

Fowler,  Jessie  W.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  10th,  1861. 
Discharged  in  June,  1862,  for  disability.  Re-enlisted  from  Chicago 
March  29th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Fowler,  Josiah.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  10th,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  head  June  llth,  1863,  at  Folly  Island,  S.C.,  by  falling 
limb  from  a  tree  severed  by  a  rebel  shell  thrown  into  camp.  Mus 
tered  out  October  8th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service.  Resides  at 
Wakena,  Kansas. 

Fowler,  Lyford  J.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865,  as  a  substitute.  Mus 
tered  out  December  6th,  1865. 

Fowler,  J.    W.     Enlisted  March  16th,  1864.     Mustered  out  December 

6th,  1865. 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  539 

Farrance,  Anthony.  Enlisted  August  23d,  1862.  Wounded  October 
6th,  1863,  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C.  Mustered  out  June  20th,  1865,  at 
expiration  of  service. 

Guntz,  Francis.  Enlisted  March  12th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  arm 
August  16th,  1864,  at  Deep  Run,  Va. 

Caddis,  James  I.  Enlisted  from  White  Oak,  111.,  February  22d,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  August  16th.  1864.  Discharged  August  7th, 
1865,  for  disability  from  wounds.  Is  living  at  Hudson,  111. 

Garrison,  John  R.  Enlisted  from  Manlius,  111.,  February  20th,  1864. 
Discharged  June  8th,  1865,  by  order  of  War  Department. 

Garrett,  Willis.  Enlisted  December  23d,  1862.  Wounded  in  the 
thigh  August  16th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Deep  Run,  Va.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  in  1865. 

Hubbard,  Albert.     Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th,  1861.     Dis 
charged  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va.,  October  10th,  1864,  at  expiration 
of  service. 
Hubbard  was  a  faithful  soldier.     He  resides  at  Marseilles,  111.,  where 

he  is  still  known  as  "  Uncle  Hubbard,"  as  the  boys  used  to  call  him. 

Halligan,  Thomas.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles,  August  6th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Halligan  served  faithfully  and  honorably  during  the  war.  Is  living 
at  Streator,  111.  He  does  not  attend  any  of  the  re-unions  of  soldiers  and 
has  no  affiliation  with  the  G.  A.  R.,  claiming  that  he  does  not  care  to  be 
reminded  of  any  of  his  army  experiences  and  wishes  to  forget  all  the  trials 
of  those  dark  days. 

Hayward,  Stephen  K.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  14th, 
1861.  Mustered  out  March  13th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Hayward  is  somewhat  of  an  invalid  from  his  army  exposure.  Is 
living  at  El  Paso,  111.,  where  he  is  a  prominent  candidate  for  postmaster 
under  Harrison's  coming  administration. 

Hicks,  Milton.  Enlisted  from  Chicago,  111.,  September  4th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment. 

Hicks  was  detailed  and  served  as  nurse,  and  latterly  as  acting  hospital 
steward  of  the  regiment,  and  proved  an  excellent  man  for  the  place.  He  is 
living  at  Waupaca,  111. 

Hummell,  Lewis  J.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  September  10th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  September  10th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Hummell  was  known  as  the  "Frenchman  "  in  the  company.  It  is  said 
of  him  that  when  on  the  march  he  was  noted  as  being  able  to  slip  out  of 
the  ranks  and  forage  some  cellar  or  smoke-house  and  secure  a  pot  of  pre 
serves,  pickles,  or  a  ham,  and  return  to  his  place  in  the  ranks  without  losing 
the  step.  He  returned  to  Chicago,  and  for  some  years  ran  a  pickle  and 
canning  factory  near  Washington  Heights,  111. 

Hendricks,  James  S.  Enlisted  August  23d,  1862.  Mustered  out 
June  29th,  1865,  at  expiration  of  service. 


540  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Hewitt,  James  W.  Joined  the  regiment  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October 
8th,  1861.  Promoted  Sergeant  April  15th,  1862.  Discharged  July  22d, 
1862,  for  disability.  He  returned  to  Michigan,  where  he  died  a  few 
years  later. 

Hontsinger,  Benjamin  F.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  (Substitute.) 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Hagan,  Henry.  Enlisted  February  14th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

Jones,  William  T.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  19th,  1861. 
Mustered  out  October  26th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Jones  was  a  good  soldier.  Is  living  at  Fairbury,  111.,  engaged  in 
farming. 

Kilmer,  Egbert.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th,  1861.  Mus 
tered  out  October  26th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Kilmer  was  born  in  Lackawanna,  Pa.  He  was  an  excellent  soldier. 
After  his  term  of  service  he  returned  to  Marseilles,  where  he  still  resides, — 
a  prosperous  farmer,  and  has  three  grown  daughters 

Kirkman,  William  G.  Enlisted  from  Marengo,  111.,  where  he  had 
been  a  telegraph  operator,  August  19th,  1861.  Mustered  out  August 
19th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

William  Gilbert  Kirkman  enlisted  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years.  He 
was  an  enthusiastic  and  plucky  soldier,  and  after  faithful  and  conscientious 
service  for  three  years  he  returned  to  Chicago  and  became  connected  with 
the  Fire  Alarm  Telegraph  service  and  was  located  up  in  the  old  court 
house  tower 

It  is  remembered  that  when  the  regiment  "  struck "  tents  at  Camp 
Mather,  October  llth,  1861,  and  formed  to  march  to  the  St.  Louis  and  Alton 
depot  to  take  the  cars,  Kirkman  was  carrying  an  extraordinarily  big  and 
heavy  knapsack.  A  Sergeant  suggested  that  he  had  better  "lighten  up," 
or  he  would  soon  "  play  out,"  and  be  hauled  in  the  ambulance.  The  answer 
he  received  was:  "Do  you  see  that  six-foot-and-two-inch  man  on  the  right 
of  the  company?  Kirkman  will  hold  his  place  longer  than  that  fellow,  and 
have  his  knapsack  with  him."  And  his  words  proved  true. 

In  the  summer  of  1863,  in  the  Department  of  the  South,  in  front  of 
Charleston,  he  was  with  Sergeant  Slagle  on  a  detail  assisting  in  erecting  a 
telegraph  line.  Inquiry  was  made  for  a  good  operator,  and  his  Sergeant 
recommended  him;  and  in  a  few  days  he  was  permanently  on  telegraphic 
duty,  and  remained  there  until  his  term  of  enlistment  expired. 

In  1868,  there  being  a  demand  for  agents  for  the  Freedman's  Bureau 
in  the  Southwest,  he  left  his  position  in  Chicago  and  accepted  service  in 
that  department  of  the  Government,  taking  charge  of  the  Northeastern 
section  of  Texas,  with  headquarters  at  Boston,  Bowie  county.  When  he 
assumed  his  duties  he  was  furnished  with  a  company  of  soldiers,  but 
through  a  reduction  of  the  army,  brought  about  by  the  vicissitudes  of  poli 
tics,  these  soldiers  were  one  by  one  withdrawn  from  him,  until  finally  he 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  541 

remained  alone  in  that  rebellious  country — swarming  with  returning  sol 
diers  from  the  Confederate  army.  The  Government  would  neither  afford 
him  protection  nor  relieve  him.  In  answer  to  the  repeated  solicitations  of 
his  friends  to  retire  from  the  service  and  its  manifold  dangers  without 
awaiting  the  slow  action  of  the  Government,  his  invariable  response  was: 
"  I  am  the  only  protection  the  negroes  in  this  section  have.  I  stand  be 
tween  many  of  them  and  death.  Ultimately  the  country  will  quiet  down, 
and  they  will  be  comparatively  safe;  but  at  present  my  departure  would 
mean  their  extermination.  No  matter  what  the  risk,  I  cannot  leave  until 
I  have  some  assurance  of  their  protection." 

This  was  the  situation  when,  on  a  bright  moonlight  night,  he  closed 
his  office  and  started  for  his  hotel.  He  had  not  proceeded  far,  when  from 
out  the  gloom  of  a  contiguous  building,  a  volley  of  musketry  was  heard. 
That  is  all  that  is  known.  The  next  morning  the  terror-stricken  people 
found  Kirkman's  body  lying  on  the  side-walk,  filled  with  bullets.  Two 
chambers  of  his  revolver  were  empty,  showing  that  he  had  attempted  to 
defend  himself.  The  body  lay  where  it  fell  until  the  afternoon,  when  the 
coroner  and  his  jury,  after  examining  it,  reported  that  he  had  been  killed 
by  parties  unknown,  although  it  was  ivell  known  that  Baker  and  his  band  of 
ex-Confederates  had  assassinated  him.  Two  weeks  later  an  anonymous 
dispatch  sent  from  Shrevesport  to  parties  in  Chicago,  informed  them  that 
young  Kirkman  was  killed  on  the  night  named. 

Under  orders  from  the  Government  Major  Clarkson,  U.  S.  Army, 
proceeded  (disguised  as  a  Southerner)  to  Bowie  county,  and  quietly  inves 
tigated  the  particulars  of  Kirkman's  assassination.  General  0.  0.  Howard 
also  offered  a  large  reward  for  the  arrest  of  the  murderer.  Shortly  after 
wards  Baker  was  entrapped  and  killed  by  his  own  brother-in-law,  who 
beheaded  him  and  brought  the  head  to  headquarters  for  the  promised 
reward. 

In  1864,  his  brother,  Lieutenant  Albert  Kirkman,  lost  his  life  at  Mem 
phis,  Tenn.,  while  on  his  way  to  rejoin  his  regiment.  Another  brother, 
M.  M.  Kirkman,  has  long  been  in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago  and  North 
western  railway  as  Comptroller. 

Kockinkiniper,  Francis.  Enlisted  February  14th,  1865.  Died  at 
Richmond,  Va.,  July  8th,  1865. 

LintOn,  George  A.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington,  September  21st, 
1861.  Mustered  out  September  21st,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Linton  was  a  deserving  soldier.     Is  living  at  Ellsworth,  111. 

Latimer,  James  A.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  September  6th,  1862.  Wounded  in  the 
neck  May  20th,  1864,  at  Wier  Bottom  church,  Va.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment  December  6th,  1865,  as  Sergeant. 

Latimer  was  never  absent  from  his  company  during  his  whole  term 
of  service — four  years  and  four  months.  In  the  assault  on  the  rebel  en 
trenchments  at  Deep  Run,  Va.,  August  16th,  1864,  it  is  said  that  he  was  the 


542  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

first  man  over  the  works.  His  present  address  is  Danway  postoffice, 
La  Salle  county,  111.,  where  he  is  engaged  in  farming.  He  has  a  wife  and 
four  children.  He  was  Company  K's  longest  and  slimmest  Corporal,  but 
now  he  weighs  two  hundred  and  forty  pounds  and  is  still  growing  larger. 

Lam  my,  Lewis  H.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  6th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  October  5th,  1863,  for  disability,  at  Morris  Island,  S.  C. 

Lee,  Orville.  Enlisted  February  27th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  foot 
August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Lewis,  John.     Enlisted  January  5th,  1864.     Taken  prisoner  Ma,y  16th, 

1864,  at  the  battle  of  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.     Died  in  Andersonville  prison, 
June,  1864. 

Marsh,  Lewis.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  6th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  August  16th,  1864.  at  Deep  Run,  Va.;  arm  ampu 
tated.  Discharged  November  19th,  1864,  for  disability  from  wound. 

With  his  shattered  arm  Marsh  assisted  in  carrying  a  wounded  man 
off  the  field.  He  was  a  well  drilled  soldier  in  the  "  manual  of  arms." 
"  Uncle  "  Hubbard  gave  him  the  name  of  "  Christ."  for  some  reason,  and  it 
always  clung  to  him.  He  was  a  failure  as  a  dress-parade  soldier — never 
wanted  to  "  slick"  up;  but  he  was  brave  and  fearless.  He  returned  to  Illi 
nois,  where  he  resided  for  several  years,  but  his  present  whereabouts  is 
unknown.  He  was  last  heard  of  as  holding  some  position  at  the  State 
capitol  building  in  Iowa. 

Morgan,  Carlos.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  27th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  August  26th,  1862,  for  disability. 

Morgan  afterwards  enlisted  in  a  New  York  regiment,  and  died  in 
North  Carolina. 

Myers,  Alden.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  3d,  1861. 
Wounded  in  the  arm  August  16th,  1864.  Mustered  out  September 
3d,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Myers  was  a  good  soldier  and  made  a  good  record.  He  is  living  at 
Heyworth,  111. 

Morse,  John.     Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  19th,  1861. 

Morse  hailed  from  McHenry  county,  near  Marengo,  111.  While  at 
Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  he  was,  at  his  own  request,  transferred 
to  the  Seventh  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  October,  1861. 

Moore,  James.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  3d,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865,  as  Corporal. 

Moore  was  known  in  the  company  as  "  Pretty  " — an  envious  reflec 
tion  on  his  good  looks.  He  was  a  brave  and  true  soldier.  Is  living  some 
where  in  Kansas. 

Maher,  John.  Enlisted  February  6th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the  hand 
May  20th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

McDowell,   George.     Enlisted  March  3d,  1865.     Deserted  May  23d 

1865.  J 


ROSTER    OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  543 

Mick,  Parker.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  10th,  1861.  Died 
November  24th,  1863,  of  chronic  diarrhoea,  at  St.  Augustine.  Florida, 
where  he  is  buried.  (The  Adjutant  General's  report  of  the  Thirty- 
Ninth  has  his  name  Nick  Parker.) 

|j 

Parker  Mick  was  an  enthusiastic  soldier — old  fashioned,  comical,  full 
of  fun,  and  very  popular  with  the  men  of  the  company. 

McDowell,  Riley.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1885.  (Substitute.) 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Miller,  Jacob.  Enlisted  February  21st,  1865.  (Substitute.)  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 

Mitchell,  W.  R.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1865.  (Substitute.)  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment. 

Mizell,  John  W.  Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.  (Substitute.)  Mustered 
out  with  regiment. 

Nichols,  Joseph  T.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th.  1861. 
Veteran.  Promoted  Corporal  August  16th,  1864.  Wounded  in  the 
leg.  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg.  Va.  Died  of  wound 
May  19th,  1865,  at  Chesapeake  Hospital,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

The  last  resting  place  of  Corporal  Nichols  is  near  the  companion  of 
his  youth  and  his  comrade,  Corporal  John  B.  Kipp.  He  was  born  at  Aus- 
terlitz,  Columbia  county,  New  York,  April  27th,  1840.  Emigrated  with  his 
parents  to  the  township  of  Mission,  La  Salle  county,  111., — a  place  noted 
for  loyalty,  and  which  sent  many  good  soldiers  into  the  Union  army. 
When  Nichols'  parents  died  he  had  no  alternative  but  to  bind  himself,  until 
of  age,  for  his  support.  The  war  broke  out  as  he  reached  his  twenty-first 
year  and  he  enlisted  in  Company  K  and  proved  a  good  soldier. 

Neal,   Daniel.     Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  3d,  1861. 

Early  in  the  service  Neal  met  with  a  serious  accident  which  nearly 
cost  him  his  life.  When  the  regiment  was  en  route  from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  to 
WTilliamsport,  Md.,  while  passing  through  the  State  of  Ohio  in  the  night 
time,  the  train  came  to  a  halt  on  a  bridge  spanning  a  deep  ravine.  It  was 
a  covered  bridge.  Neal  stepped  out  and  off  the  train  to  go  forward  for 
some  water,  unaware,  in  the  darkness,  of  where  the  train  was  resting,  and 
in  stepping  off  he  made  a  long  step,  about  forty  feet,  to  the  ground 
below.  He  was  picked  up,  and  on  reaching  Pittsburg  was  taken  by  Dr. 
Clark  to  Dr.  Waller's  Surgical  Infirmary.  His  spine  was  injured,  and  it  was 
thought  that  he  could  not  recover;  but  he  did,  and  reported  to  his  com 
pany  a  few  days  prior  to  his  discharge  from  the  service,  November  1st, 
1862.  February  4th,  1864,  he  enlisted  in  Company  G,  Eighth  Illinois  Cav 
alry,  and  was  mastered  out  July  17th,  1865.  His  home  is  at  Lamed, 
Kansas.* 

*  Since  writing  the  above  we  have  news  of  Neal's  death  by  suicide  at  Lamed, 
Kansas,  some  time  in  February,  1889. 


544  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

0 1m Stead,  Orlando.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  19th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  breast  August  16th,  1864.  Reduced  to  the 
ranks  after  promotion  to  Corporal  August  16th,  1864,  by  sentence  of 
court-martial  September  25th,  1864.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment 
December  6th,  1865, 

Olmstead  was  known  as  the  "  Deacon  " — a  title  that  he  brought  into 
the  service  with  him;  but  it  was  a  "misfit,"  for  he  was  noted  as  one  of  the 
best  poker  players  in  the  regiment.  He  was  a  faithful  soldier,  and  took 
pride  in  being  at  his  post  of  duty.  He  became  a  resident  of  Elk  River, 
Minn.,  after  the  war,  where  he  had  some  difficulty  with  an  officer,  and  was 
killed.  He  is  buried  at  Marseilles,  111. 

OleSOn,  Jacob.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  25th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  and  taken  prisoner  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's 
Bluff.  Va.  After  his  parole  in  August,  1864,  he  was,  by  order  of  the 
War  Department,  transferred  to  Company  A,  Veteran  Reserve  Corps, 
and  was  discharged  November  13th,  1865,  at  Concord,  N.  H. 

Oleson  was  born  in  Norway;  was  a  good  soldier  and  a  careful  ob 
server  of  events;  and,  possessing  a  good  memory,  is  an  entertaining 
relator  of  matters  pertaining  to  the  war.  He  is  living  at  Marseilles;  has  a 
family,  and  enjoys  the  comforts  of  life.  r 

Olmstead,  Clinton.  Enlisted  March  5th,  1864.  Discharged  Decem 
ber  2d,  1864,  by  order  War  Department.  Is  living  at  Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

Pitcher,  Theo.  W.  Born  at  Martinsburg,  N.  Y.  Enlisted  from 
Marseilles  August  27th,  1861,  as  musician  in  the  regimental  band. 
Mustered  out  in  1862,  by  an  order  of  the  War  Department  which  dis 
continued  all  regimental  bands. 

After  his  "  muster-out"  Pitcher  returned  to  Marseilles,  and  on  March 
5th,  1864,  enlisted  in  Company  K,  as  private,  and  was  detailed  to  the  band 
that  was  being  organized  from  material  in  the  regiment.  Was  mustered 
out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865,  and  became  a  citizen  of  Mar 
seilles,  where  he  resided  with  his  family  until  a  few  years  ago,  when  he 
removed  West,  homesteading  land  where  he  now  resides.  His  postoffice 
address  is  Sterling,  Colorado. 

Putnam,  John  S.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  3d,  1861. 
Veteran.  Wounded  in  the  left  arm  June  2d,  1864.  Promoted  Cor 
poral  May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th, 
1865.  Is  living  at  Ottawa,  Putnam  county,  Ohio. 

Price,  Michael.  Joined  the  regiment  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  August  21st, 
1861. 

Price's  wife  accompanied  him  in  the  service.  He  was  taken  prisoner 
at  Bath,  Va.,  January  4th,  1862,  and  Mrs.  Price,  realizing  that  the  front  was 
no  place  fora  woman,  went  home.  After  his  parole  he  rejoined  his  com 
pany,  and  was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865.  He  was 
wounded  in  the  ankle  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  He 
is  living,  but  his  address  is  not  known. 


ROSTER    OF   COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  545 

Peters,  Benjamin.  Enlisted  February  24th,  1864.  Died  from  disease 
April  9th,  1864. 

Prebles,  Edward.  Enlisted  February  13th,  1865.  Wounded  in  the 
breast  April  2d,  1865,  at  the  assault  on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.  Mustered 
out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Prebles,   Isaac   D.     Enlisted  April  llth,  1865.     (Substitute.) 

Reed,  John  A.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  19th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Reed  enlisted  with  the  understanding  that  he  was  to  be  detailed  as 
a  blacksmith.  He  was  on  detached  service  a  good  part  of  the  time.  Is 
living  at  Blackford,  Ind. 

Roberts,  W.  H.  Enlisted  August  12th,  1865.  Mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

Scullion,  William.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  14th,  1861. 
Discharged  July  18th,  1863,  for  disability. 

This  comrade  was  early  assigned  to  "Selleck's  Brigade."  He  well 
understood  and  patronized  the  "  sick  call."  Soldiers  do  not,  as  a  rule, 
have  much  sympathy  for  a  man  that  will  get  fat  on  an  army  surgeon's 
prescriptions.  Scullion  did;  and  when  he  got  his  discharge  for  disability, 
July  18th,  1863,  that  paper  with  an  eagle  upon  it,  which  he  had  so  persist 
ently  played  for,  performed  a  most  miraculous  cure.  He  discarded  his  two 
canes  before  he  got  out  of  sight  of  his  company,  and  left  his  rheumatism 
with  his  canes.  He  returned  or  went  to  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  died  some 
years  ago  from  an  injury  received  in  a  boiler  shop. 

Sparks,  Ely.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  6th,  1861,  after  his 
return  from  the  three  months'  service. 

In  May,  1862,  while  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  near  Woodstock,  Va., 
Sparks  and  Chester  Van  Wermer,  of  the  company,  intentionally  or  by 
reason  of  gross  carelessness  wandered  outside  of  our  lines  and  were  taken 
prisoners.  They  were  reported  as  deserters.  They  were  paroled  in  a  few 
days  and  were  mustered  out  as  prisoners  of  war.  He  entered  the  service 
again  in  some  other  regiment  and  died  at  Williamsport,  Md. 

Shero,  Martin.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  August  6th,  1861.  Veteran. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darby  town  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Mus 
tered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Shero  was  the  "  Long  Dutchman "  of  Company  K,  and  did  good 
service.  It  is  said  that  he  has  long  lived  a  sort  of  hermit  life  as  a  fisher 
man  on  the  lake  shore  at  Chicago,  111. 

Sparks,  John  B.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  February  28th,  1861. 
Discharged  September  25th,  1862,  for  disability.  He  is  dead,  and 
is  buried  at  Marseilles,  111. 

Slater,  George.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  27th,  1861.  Dis 
charged  for  disability  September  25th,  1862. 

January  20th,  1864,  Slater  enlisted   in  Company  E,  Eighth  Illinois 
35 


546  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

Cavalry,  serving  until  July  17th,  1865.  Some  years  ago  he  obtained  work 
driving  a  street  car  on  Madison  street,  Chicago.  His  address  is  Green 
wood,  Wis. 

Slater,  William.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  10th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 

Slater  was  not  built  for  an  active  soldier,  owing  to  his  corpulency, 
and  seldom  could  be  found  an  army  suit  of  clothing  that  would  cover 
him.  He  was  detailed  and  served  during  his  enlistment  as  an  assistant  to 
the  regimental  commissary;  besides,  he  carried  on  quite  a  business  in 
"  dried-apple  cider."  He  was  living  at  Greenwood,  Wis.,  when  last  heard 
from. 

StephenSOn,  John  D.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  3d, 
1861.  Discharged  for  disability  in  1862.  Died  at  Utica,  111.,  a  few 
years  after  the  war. 

Seaman,  Allen  M.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  15th,  1861. 
Died  in  June,  1862,  while  home  on  sick  furlough,  and  is  buried  at 
Manlius,  111. 

Selleck,  Hiram.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  21st,  1861. 
This  comrade  was  the  proprietor  of  "  Selleck's  Brigade,"  and  grew 
fat  attending  "  sick  call."  He  was  always  trying  to  get  home  to  dig  his 
potatoes.  Was  finally  discharged,  November  10th,  1862,  for  disability. 
June  29th,  1864,  he  enlisted  again,  and  was  an  unassigned  recruit  for 
the  Eighth  Cavalry. 

Stokes,  Stephen  N.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  25th,  1861. 
Veteran.  Taken  prisoner  May  17th,  1862;  paroled  October,  1862. 
Recaptured  June  6th,  1863;  paroled  October,  1863.  Deserted  August 
25th,  1864. 

This  was  a  big— very  big  little  man,  always  killing  more  than  he 
could  bury.  Never  won  any  merit  for  good  conduct  or  behavior. 

Sauers,  Peter.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August  14th,  1861.  Vet 
eran. 

Sauers  served  faithfully.  It  was  his  fate  to  be  killed  at  the  assault 
on  Fort  Gregg,  Va.,  April  2d,  1865. 

Simpson,  Charles.  Enlisted  March  4th,  1864.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Slagle,  James.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  December  16th,  1861. 
Wounded  October  13th,  1864,  at  Darbytown  Cross-Roads,  Va.  Absent, 
wounded,  at  muster-out  of  regiment.  He  is  living  at  Covington,  Neb., 
opposite  Sioux  City. 

Sweeny,  Edward.  Enlisted  February  15th,  1865.  Mustered  out  De 
cember  6th,  1865. 

Thompson,  Henry  V.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  August  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  in  1862  for  disability. 

September  1st,  1862,  Thompson  entered  the  service  again  in  Hen- 


ROSTER   OF  COMPANY  K— PRIVATES.  547 

shaw's  battery,  and  was  again  discharged  for  disability  August  18th,  1863. 
Returned  home,  and  soon  after  died. 

Thomas,  George  N.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  September  3d, 
1861.  Veteran.  Mustered  out  with  the  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 
A  good  soldier. 

Thornell,    Jackson.     Enlisted  from  Marseilles    October    4th.    1861. 
Discharged  March  7th,  1863,  for  disability. 
Thornell  was  known  as  "  Happy  Jack."     Is  reported  dead. 

Thomas,  Francis  Marion.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  August 
14th,  1861.  Promoted  Corporal  October  1st,  1863. 

Thomas  was  a  popular  man  in  the  company.  June  17th,  1864,  at 
Hatcher's  Run,  Va.,  he  was  excused  from  duty  by  reason  of  having  some 
trouble  with  his  neck;  but  hearing  the  heavy  firing  at  the  front,  he  decided 
that  he  must  be  with  his  company,  and  went.  A  few  minutes  after  taking 
his  place  in  the  line  he  was  shot  dead. 

Thompson,  James.  Enlisted  from  Chicago  February  12th,  1864. 
Wounded  in  the  leg  May  20th,  1864,  at  battle  of  Wier  Bottom  church, 
Va.  Discharged  July  18th,  1865,  for  disability.  Died  at  Marseilles, 
111.,  shortly  after  returning  home. 

Timm,  Christopher.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  December  16th,  1863. 
Mustered  out  December  6th,  1865,  with  regiment. 

Van  Slet,  Samuel.  Enlisted  from  Marseilles  September  17th,  1861. 
Discharged  November  10th,  1862,  for  disability. 

In  1876  Van  Slet  was  at  Cedar  Keys,  Florida;  since  then  his  address 
is  not  known. 

Van  Wermer,  Chester.  Joined  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  October  14th, 
1861.  Was  taken  prisoner  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Va.,  and  prob 
ably  mustered  out  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  He  is  reported  as  a  deserter 
on  the  company  rolls. 

Washburne,  Charles.  Enlisted  from  Morris,  111.,  August  27th,  1861. 
Discharged  early  in  1862,  for  disability.  December  6th,  1862,  he  en 
listed  in  Henshaw's  battery  and  mustered  out  with  it  July  18th,  1865. 

Werner,  John.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  10th,  1861.  Vet 
eran.  Killed  May  16th,  1864,  at  Drury's  Bluff,  Va.  A  brave  and 
faithful  soldier. 

Welcome,  James.  Enlisted  from  Bloomington  October  10th,  1861. 
Promoted  Corporal  August  1st,  1863.  Killed  at  Fort  Wagner,  S.  C., 
August  26th,  1863,  by  the  explosion  of  the  enemy's  shell. 

Welcome  was  buried  at  the  south  end  of  the  island,  near  where  stood 
the  lighthouse.  He  was  a  brave  and  faithful  soldier,  and  a  favorite  among 
his  comrades. 

Wright,  Richard.  Enlisted  October  6th,  1861.  Mustered  out  Octo 
ber  8th,  1864,  at  expiration  of  service. 

Webster,  Levi.  Enlisted  February  6th,  1864.  Promoted  Corporal 
May  1st,  1865.  Mustered  out  with  regiment  December  6th,  1865. 


548  THIRTY-NINTH    ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

White,  James  R.  Enlisted  September  19th,  1861.  Discharged  in 
1862.  Re-enlisted  March  4th,  1864,  and  mustered  out  with  the  regi 
ment  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  December  6th,  1865,  and  finally  discharged  at 
Springfield,  111.,  December  16th,  1865. 

James  R.  White  was  born  in  McLean  county,  111.,  September  26th, 
1844.  Was  occupied  on  a  farm  until  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  Thirty- 
Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers.  Was  taken  sick  in  May,  1862,  and  sent  to  hospi 
tal  at  Cedar  Creek,  Va.,  and  was  caught  up  in  the  grand  retreat  of  General 
Banks'  army  in  May,  1862.  W7as  discharged  for  disability  at  Williamsport, 
Md.,  June  19th,  1862.  He  returned  home  and  went  to  work  at  the  carpen 
ter's  trade  until  March,  1864,  when  he  re-enlisted  in  his  old  company.  May 
30th,  1864,  he  was  slightly  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  shell.  Was  on  de 
tached  service  for  several  weeks  in  1864,  guarding  the  pontoon  bridge 
across  the  Appomattox  river.  After  the  war  he  resumed  work  as  a  carpen 
ter,  which  he  still  follows.  He  resides  at  1201  N.  McLean  street,  Blooming- 
ton,  111. 


SUMMARY  or  CASUALTIES,  ETC. 

Killed  in  battle 7 

Died  of  wounds 6 

Died  in  prison 2 

Died  of  disease 10 

WTounded 54 

Lost  limbs ...   2 

Taken  prisoner 10 

Discharged  for  disability 29 

Transferred , .2 

Deserted 3 

Mustered  out  at  expiration  of  service 14 

Number  originally  enlisted 80 

Recruits 5$ 

Enlisted  as  veterans 37 

Returned  home  at  muster-out .63 

Known  to  be  living  (1889) .  .48 


CHAPTEK  XXXIII. 


GENERAL  SUMMARY  OF  FACTS. 

total  sum  of  the  casualties  among  both  officers  and 
men  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Kegiment  is  as  follows: 

Killed  in  battle 83       Drowned 4 

Died  of  wounds 61       Taken  prisoner 118 

Died  of  disease 90       Discharged  for  disability 293 

Died  in  prison 25       Deserted 97 

Wounded 411 

34  Officers  and  men  suffered  amputation  of  limbs. 

52  Men  were  transferred  to  other  commands. 

191  Men  were  mustered  out  at  expiration  of  three  years  of  service. 
350  Men  re-enlisted  as  veterans. 
844  Men  enlisted  in  1861. 
608  Recruits  were  received  during  the  war. 

34  Enlisted  men  were  promoted  to  commissions. 

24  Officers  resigned  their  commissions. 

2  Officers  were  dismissed  the  service. 
525  Officers  and  men  mustered  out  at  close  of  the  war. 
485  Officers  and  men  are  known  to  be  living  (1889). 

The  regiment  traveled  by  rail  and  water  5,038  miles;   it    marched  1,425 
miles;  making  a  total  of  6,463  miles  traveled. 

The  revised  report  of  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  State 
gives  the  killed  and  died  of  wounds  in  the  Thirty-Ninth 
Illinois  as  one  hundred  and  thirty-six,  when  it  should  be 
one  hundred  and  forty-four;  and  if  to  this  be  added  those 
who  died  in  prison  from  wounds,  thirteen  more  can  be 
added,  making  one  hundred  and  fifty-seven — ranking  third 
instead  of  fifth  in  the  list  of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty-six 
regiments  of  infantry  which  took  the  field. 

The  deaths  from  disease  is  stated  at  one  hundred  and 
seventeen  when  it  should  be  ninety. 

549 


550       THIRTY-NINTH  ILLINOIS   VOLUNTEERS. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  KEGIMENT  WHO  DIED  IN  EEBEL 
PRISONS. 

COMPANY  A. 

Ira  Nichols.  Died  in  prison,  of  wounds,  at  Florence,  South 
Carolina.  Date  unknown. 

Andrew  Seybert.  Died  of  disease  in  prison  at  Anderson 
ville,  Georgia,  August  llth,  1864.  Number  of  grave,  5,350. 

COMPANY  B. 

Edmund  Hartrey.  Died  in  prison  at  Andersonville,  Georgia, 
June  24th,  1864.  Number  of  grave,  1,980.  Died  from 
wounds. 

COMPANY  C. 

Henry  Gott.  Died  in  Andersonville  prison  June  15th,  1865, 
from  disease.  Number  of  grave,  12,461. 

Andrew  C.  Allen.  Died  in  prison  at  Florence,  South  Caro 
lina,  from  disease,  September  25th,  1864. 

Corporal  Martin  Howder.  Died  in  prison,  from  wounds, 
at  Florence,  South  Carolina,  October  llth,  1864. 

Albert  A.  Stephenson.  Died  in  prison  at  Florence. 
South  Carolina,  October  llth,  1864,  from  disease. 

COMPANY  D. 

Nathaniel  Bunker.  Died  in  prison  (place  not  given; 
probably  at  Florence,  South  Carolina),  January  16th,  1865. 
from  disease. 

Jesse  A.  Ferrell.  Died  in  prison  at  Florence,  South  Caro 
lina,  from  wounds,  November,  1864. 


COMPANY  E. 

Corporal  T.  D.  Gronigal.  Died  in  prison  at  Petersburg, 
Va.,  June  9th,  1864,  from  wounds. 

Lawrence  Baker.  Died  in  Libby  prison,  Richmond,  Va., 
June  9th,  1864,  from  his  wound. 

Sergeant  David  M.Hanson.  Died  in  prison  at  Ander- 
sonville,  Georgia,  of  wounds  received  in  transportation,  by 
railway  accident,  October  22d,  1864. 


MEMBERS   WHO   DIED   IN  REBEL  PRISONS.        551 


COMPANY  F. 

Cal VJ n  Cal  lahan.    Died  in  Andersonville  prison  August  21st, 
1864,  of  wounds.     Number  of  grave,  6,356. 

Palmer   Lusk.     Died  in  Andersonville  prison  June  5th,  1864, 
from  wounds. 

Adelbert  Van  Patten.     Died  in  prison  at  Richmond,  Va., 
of  wounds.     Date  not  known. 

Thomas    M.  Kennedy.     Died  in  prison  at  Richmond,  Va., 
from  wound,  September ,  1864. 

COMPANY  G. 

Albert  LuSCOmb.     Died  in  prison  at  Petersburg,  Virginia, 
of  wounds,  June  26th,  1864. 

John    Pacey.      Died   in  Libby   prison,  Richmond,  Virginia, 
July  26th,  1864,  of  wounds. 

COMPANY  H. 

Henry  C.   Rose.     Died  in  prison  at  Andersonville,  Georgia, 
September  27th,  1864,  from  disease. 


COMPANY  I. 

Newton  J.  Ford.  Died  in  prison  at  Andersonville,  Georgia, 
October  loth,  1864,  of  wounds.  Number  of  grave,  10,881. 

John  W.  Weedman.  Died  in  prison  at  Andersonville, 
Georgia,  November  15th,  1864,  of  disease. 

Sergeant  O.  P.  Nelson.  Died  in  prison,  of  disease,  at 
Richmond,  Virginia.  Date  not  known. 

Sergeant- Major  Reese  Bishop.  Died  in  Andersonville 
prison,  of  disease,  November  7th,  1864.  (Formerly  of  Com 
pany  I.) 

COMPANY  K. 

John   Lewis.     Died  in  Andersonville  prison  June ,1864, 

of  disease. 

Alden  Barber.  Died  in  Libby  prison,  Richmond,  Virginia, 
June ,  1864,  of  disease. 


APPENDIX. 


TESTIMONIAL  TO  DR.  C.  M.  CLARK. 

CHABLES  M.  CLABK,  M.D. 

Dear  Sir  and  Comrade: — You  and  the  undersigned  were  selected  to 
act  as  a  committee  to  publish  the  History  of  the  Thirty-Ninth  Illinois 
Regiment,  and  upon  you  the  committee  placed  the  responsible  duties  as 
chief  editor.  We  recognize,  therefore,  that  it  is  a  very  delicate  task  for 
you  to  record  the  important  part  of  history  which  you  made,  and  the  hon 
orable  relations  which  you  sustained  to  the  regiment  and  to  the  medical 
department  of  the  army. 

We  therefore  request  and  direct  you  to  insert  the  following  relating 
to  your  labors  during  the  war,  as  prepared  by  one  of  your  comrades,  feel 
ing  assured  that  all  the  survivors  of  the  regiment  will  fully  indorse  what 
we  have  said,  and  heartily  join  in  this  testimonial  to  your  efficiency  and 
faithfulness  while  Surgeon  of  the  Thirty-Ninth. 

AMOS  SAVAGE, 

AL,.  C.  SWEETSEB,  [  Committee. 
O.  L.  MANN, 
CHICAGO,  July  4th,  1889. 


There  is  no  branch  of  military  service  011  which  the  use 
fulness  of  an  army  depends  more  than  on  the  medical  de 
partment.  In  order  that  it  may  be  thoroughly  prepared  for 
long  marches  and  for  desperate  encounters  with  an  enemy, 
the  entire  rank  and  file  must  be  in  the  very  best  of  physical 
vigor.  It  is  one  of  the  prime  duties  of  the  surgeon  of  a 
regiment  to  see  that  this  desired  condition  is  rigidly  main 
tained.  Is  the  location  of  the  camp  healthful?  Is  its  sani 
tary  condition  at  as  high  a  grade  of  excellence  as  is  possible  ? 
Are  rations  properly  prepared  ?  Is  the  soldier  too  sick  for 
duty,  or  shall  he  be  returned  to  the  ranks?  Shall  he  be 
sent  to  a  general  hospital  or  discharged  the  service?  All 
these  questions,  and  many  more  of  kindred  character,  con- 

553 


554  THIRTY-NINTH     ILLINOIS     VOLUNTEERS. 

stantly  confront  the  array  surgeon,  and  to  answer  them  for 
the  best  "good  of  the  service,"  requires  great  skill  and  un 
tiring  devotion  to  public  duty. 

Comrade  Clark  entered  upon  his  duties  as  surgeon  of 
the  regiment  well  equipped  to  meet  manfully  all  these  stern 
requirements.  He  had  been  admitted  to  the  medical  pro 
fession  under  very  favorable  circumstances.  Though  young, 
he  had  met  with  success  in  his  practice  and  had  attracted 
the  notice  of  the  medical  fraternity.  He  had  "roughed 
it "  in  the  gold  fields  of  the  Kockies,  and  hence  took  kindly 
to  camp  life.  His  post  of  duty  was,  from  the  first,  with  his 
regiment,  and  it  never  got  so  far  to  the  front  as  to  leave 
him  in  the  rear.  He  was  on  detached  service  frequently, 
but  seldom  lost  sight  of  his  own  command,  for  he  invariably 
refused  duty  that  would  remove  him  from  fields  where 
wounds  were  found.  He  was  a  skillful  surgeon,  and  many 
of  his  complicated  field  operations  are  of  public  record; 
and  of  the  public  records  which  surgeons  were  required  to 
keep,  those  of  Dr.  Clark  are  said  by  competent  authority 
at  Washington  to  be  among  the  very  best  returned,  and  they 
must  be  of  great  value  to  the  Bureau  of  Pensions. 

When  Dr.  Clark  reached  Appomattox  Court-House,  he 
was  the  chief  operating  surgeon  of  the  Field  hospital  of 
the  Twenty-Fourth  Army  Corps,  and  yet  he  was  in  "hailing 
distance  "  of  the  old  Thirty-Ninth. 

Our  medical  comrade  settled  in  Chicago  at  the  close  of 
the  war,  and  is  now  there  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  remuner 
ative  practice. 


To  REGISTER  DEATHS  OF  COMRADES. 


To  REGISTER  DEATHS  or  COMRADES. 


To  REGISTER  DEATHS  OF  COMRADES. 


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